^.S.l\ 


PRINCETON,  N.  J.  *^g 


Presented    by      A  .  G.  Cc^^r^e'ror\ ,  PV^.'D. 

BX  5995  .M4  J62 
Johns,  J.  1796-1876. 
A  memoir  of  the  life  of  the 
Right  Rev.  William  Meade, 


fEiTa  HE^oWOnnj.^ra  m\i^w\ 


Snj?r  iy  JjL.O'NeiU.M.T.  from.  a.  Tnaaqrop'^ 


A  MEMOIR  OF  THE  LIFE 


n; 


\^ 


^'<jf;f^%\ 


OF     THE 


*    APR  8-  1911 


Right  Ret.  William  MKzmE, 


L^W 


BISHOP  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 


IK  THB 


DIOCESE    OF    VIRGINIA, 


EIGHT   EEY.  J.  JOHNS,  D.D. 


WITH 


A.  MEMOEIAL  SEEMOE" 


BY  THE  REV.  WILLIAM  SPARROW,  D.  D. 


BALTIMORE: 

iKines  &  COMPAKT,  PTTBLI8HBB8,  ADAMH  EZFBSSB  BTTILMKS. 

1867. 


Entered,  accordiug  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1868,  by 

INNES  &  COMPANY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Dist,  Court  of  the  U.  S.  for  the  District  of  Maryland. 


conte:n^ts. 


PAGK 

Parentage 7 

Schooldays  at  Carter  Hall ....^.... 15 

College  course  and  correspondence 18 

Religious  impressions r 2r> 

Determination  to  become  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel , 27 

Letters  from  his  sister  Mrs.  Page,  and  Mrs.  Marj  Custis,  of  Arlington  28 

Preparation  for  the  ministry 3T 

Rev.  Walter  Addison 38 

Princeton 31> 

Return  to  Frederick  County;  early   marriage  and  manner  of  life 42 

Correspondence  with  Bishop  Madison  in  reference  to  ordination 46 

Admitted  to  Deacons'  Orders  at  Williamsburg 50 

State  of  the  Church  in  Virginia 53 

Reception  as  a  Minister 54 

Style  of  Preaching 55 

Connection  with  Frederick  Parish.  Stone  Chapel 57 

Removal  to  Alexandria 5i> 

Parochial  Reforms 60 

Hon.  F.  S.  Key,  John  Randolph,  James  Milnor ^ 63 

Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Rev.  "W.  H.  Wilmer , 64 

Resuscitation  of  the  Church  in  Virginia , 6(> 

Election  of  Rev.  R.  C.  Moore  to  the  Episcopate 60 

Sermon  in  the  Monumental  Church,  Richmond ;  Letter  of  John  Ran- 
dolph   70 

Resignation  of  the  rectorship  of  Christ  Church,  Alexandria  ;  ordina- 
tion as  Priest  by  Bishop  Claggett,  of  Maryland 71 

Mode  of  life  and  services  aa  a  Parish  Minister 72 

Labors  among  the  colored  people 7G 

Clerical  support 78 

Fidelity  to  his  parishioners 83 

Fashionable  amusements 84 

Card  Playing ,  94 

Horse  Racing , 98 

Clerical  Associations  :  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Rev.  John  Thompson 

Brooke 101 

Death  of  his  mother 107 

Her  prayers 108 

Advice  to  her  children 10i» 

His  letter  of  counsel  to  his  sisters 112 

Colonization  Societ}' 117 

His  mission  to  the  Southern,  and  to  the  New  England  States  12u 


IV  OONTENTS. 


Education  Society 125 

Theological  Serainarv" , 127 

Rev.  Dr.  Keith 1 130 

Further  account  of  parochial  measures 135 

Nomination  as  Assistant  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania 138 

His  course  and  correspondence  on  that  occasion 141 

Use  of  the  Ante-Communion  Service 155 

Proposed  alterations  in  the  order  for  Morning  and  Evening  Prayer...  156 

Letters  of  Bishop  Hobart  and  Rev.  Wra.  Meade 158 

Action  on  the  subject  by  the  Convention  of  Virginia 163 

Account  of  his  election  and  consecration  as  Assistant  Bishop  of  Vir- 
ginia  >  16T 

Correspondence  with  Rev.  Dr.  Empie  and  Bishop  Moore 170 

Ilis  record  of  the  commencement  of  his  Episcopal  services 196 

General  Missionary  Society 197 

}Iis  statement  and  views  in  relation  to  it 199 

American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 202 

American  Tract  Society 203 

Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union 204 

His  examination  of,  and  disappointment  in,  a  number  of  its  publica- 
tions  : 207 

Correspondence  with  the  Secretary 208 

Evangelical  Knowledge  Society 225 

Correspondence  with  Bishop  Otey 228 

Consecration  of  Bishop  Polk  ;  agreement  of  Bishops  Meade,  M'llvaine, 
Otey  and  Polk  to  pray  specially  for  each  other  on  every  Sunday 

morning 237 

Form  of  prayer  for  that  purpose  by  Bishops  Meade  and  Otey 237 

Views  of  Bishops  Moore  and  Meade  on  the  use  of  the  Surplice 240 

Proposal  to  introduce  an  auxiliary  of  the  Episcopal  Sunday  School 

Union  into  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia 242 

Letter  of  Bishop  Meade  on  the  use  of  fiction  as  a  vehicle  of  reli- 
gious truth 247 

Letter  to  Bishop  Alonzo  Potter  on  the  Temperance  Society 249 

Oxford  Tracts.  252 

Extract  from  a  letter  on  the  subject  by  Bishop  Griswold ....« 254 

Bishop  Moore's  early  and  earnest  warning  to  his  Diocese 255 

Action  of  the  Virginia  Convention 258 

Address  by  Bishop  Meade  to  the  Convention  of  1842 260 

Other  papers  prepared  by  him 264 

Discipline 277 

History  of  the  19th  Canon  of  Virginia,  "Offenders  to  be  admonished 

or  exi^elled  from  the  Lord's  Table." 278 

Qualifications  of  Lay  Delegates 287 

Clerical  discipline  in  the  case  of  a  Deacon,  with  letters  on  the  subject 

from  several  Bishops 288 

Episcopal  Discipline 299 

Proceedings  in  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania 300 

Proceedings  in  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  New  York 306 

Proceedings  in  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  New  Jersey 322 

Bishop  Meade's  relation  to  each ;  the  violence  with  which  be  was 
assailed  ;  his  vindication  furnished  by  the  documents  published 
in  connection  with  the  several  cases,  and  his  own  statements  pre* 
served  in  manuscript 369—383 


CONTENTS. 


Effort  for  the  restoration  of  tlie  suspended  Bishop 387 

Bishop  Meade's  opposition  and  reasons 393 

Assault  upon  Bishop  Meade;  his  reply 396 

Letter  of  Bishop  Hopkins ^ 399 

Double  duties,  as  Rector  and  Bishop 400 

Connection   with  Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  and  Hi.  Paul's  Church, 

Petersburg 402 

!jnteresting  services,  and  increased  religious  interest  in  Norfolk 404 

Letter  to  his   god-children 410 

Letter  to  a  student  at  the  University  of  Virginia 411 

Domestic  afflictions 412 

Affecting  letter  to  his  infant  grandson  after  the  mother's  death 432 

Writings 434 

Letters  to  Bishops  Johns,  Hopkins,  and  B.  T.  Onderdonk 435 

"Lectures  on  the  Pastoral  Office," 439 

^'Old  Churches,  Families  and  Ministers  of  Virginia," 441 

''The  Bible  and  the  Classics," 442 

Devotional  and  other  papers 445 

Decline  of  health;  letter  from  his  daughter-in-law 457 

Intermission  of  his  labors 459 

Testimony  of  respect  and  affection  from  the  family  at  Mount  Vernon.  461 

Visit  to  Europe 462 

Brief  memoranda  of  foreign  travel,  with  passages  from  letters  "pub- 
lished in  the  Southern  Churchman," 462 

His  passionfor  trees ~.  465 

Death  of  Bishop  Moore 467 

Bishop  Meade's  address  to  the  Convention 468 

Special  services  in  Petersburg 469 

Visitation  of  the  Western  section  of  the  Diocese./ 469 

His  health  impaired  by  constant  and  laborious  services  ;  application 

to  the  Convention  for  official  aid 470 

Election  and  Consecration  of  an  Assistant  Bishop 471 

Bishop  Meade's  manner  of  officiating  during  the  period  of  his  bodily 

infirmity 472 

Unpleasant  occurrence  at  Lawrenceville 473 

Brief  statement  of  his  views  on  slavery 476 

Change  in  his  health  and  change  in  his  mode  of  officiating 478 

Prosperity  of  the  Theological  Seminary 480 

New  and  additional  buildings 480 

Their  formal  dedication.     Services  on  the  occasion  and  addresses  by 

Bishops  Meade  and  Bedell 481 

Tribute  to  Cassius  F.  Lee,  Esq 483 

General  Convention  of  1859  in  Richmond,  Va 484 

State  of  the  Country 490 

Letters  on  the  subject  from  Bishop  Meade  to  Bishops  M'Hvaine  and 

Johns ^ 492 

His  address »to  the  Convention  of  Virginia  in  18G1 496 

Provisional  measures  adopted  by  the  Convention 500 

Bishop  Meade's  letter  in  behalf  of  the  suffering  soldiers 501 

Preliminary  Convention  of  Southern  Dioceses 502 

Notes  in  anticipation  of  their  united  action 503 

Consecration  of  a  Bishop  for  Alabama 506 

Bishop  Meade's  sickness,  death,  and  funeral 507 

Resolution?  of  the  Clergy 514 


VI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE, 

Notice  of  the  great  bereavemeut  in  Bishop  Johns'  address  to  the  Con- 
vention of  1862 515- 

Extract  from  Bishop  Meade's  sermon  on  the  opening  of  the  Conven- 
tion of  1861 5ia 

Transfer  of  his  remains  from  the  vault  in  vehich  they  were  tempora- 
rily placed,  and  services  connected  veith  their  interment  in  an 
appropriate  lot  in  Holywood  Cemetery,  Richmond..... 520 

Commemorative  Sermon  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Sparrow,  D.D.,  Professor 

of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia ., 521 


COA^TEIS^TS. 


I'AGK 

Parentage , 7 

Schooldays  at  Carter  Hall 15 

College  course  and  correspondence 18 

Religious  impressions 25 

Determination  to  becoraeaMinister  of  the  Gospel , 27 

Letters  from  his  sister  Mrs.  Page,  and  Mrs.  Marj  Custis,  of  Arlington  28 

Preparation  for  the  ministry 37 

Rev.  Walter  Addison 3.S 

Princeton 30 

Return  to  Frederick  County;  early   marriage  and  manner  of  life 42 

Correspondence  with  Bishop  Madison  in  reference  to  ordination 40 

Admitted  to  Deacons'  Orders  at  Williamsburg 50 

State  of  the  Church  in  Virginia 53 

Reception  as  a  Minister 54 

Style  of  Preaching 55 

Connection  with  Frederick  Parish,  Stone  Chapel 57 

Removal  to  Alexandria 51) 

Parochial  Reforms 60 

Hon.  F,  S.  Key,  John  Randolph,  James  Milnor ^ 63 

Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  Rev.  W.  H.  Wilmer 64 

Resuscitation  of  the  Church  in  Virginia 6'J 

Election  of  Rev.  R,  C.  Moore  to  the  Episcopate 69 

Sermon  in  the  Monumental  Church,  Richmond  ;  Letter  of  John  Ran- 
dolph   70 

Resignation  of  the  rectorship  of  Christ  Church,  Alexandria  :  ordina- 
tion as  Priest  by  Bishop  Claggett,  of  Maryland 71 

Mode  of  life  and  services  as  a  Parish  Minister 72 

Labors  among  the  colored  people 7(; 

Clerical  support 78 

Fidelity  to  his  parishioners 83 

Fashionable  amusements 84 

Card  Playing ,  94 

Horse  Racing 98 

Clerical  Associations  :  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Rev.  John  Thompson 

Brooke 101 

Death  of  his  mother 107 

Her  prayers 108 

Advice  to  her  children ; ...  I0l» 

His  letter  of  counsel  to  his  sisters 112 

Colonization  Society ,  117 

His  mission  to  the  Southern,  and  to  the  New  England  States  120 


IV  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Education  Society 125 

Theological  Serniaaiy 12*7 

Rev.  Dr.  Keith '. 130 

Further  account  of  parochial  measures ir.5 

Nomination  as  Assistant  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania 138 

His  course  and  correspondence  on  that  occasion 141 

Use  of  the  Ante-Communion  Service 155 

Proposed  alterations  in  the  order  for  Morning  and  Evening  Prayer...  156 

Letters  of  Bishop  Hobart  and  Rev.  Wm.  Meade 158 

Action  on  the  subject  by  the  Convention  of  Virginia 163 

Account  of  his  election  and  consecration  as  Assistant  Bishop  of  Vir- 
ginia   167 

Correspondence  with  Rev.  Dr.  Empie  and  Bishop  Moore ITO 

His  record  of  the  commencement  of  his  Episcopal  services 396 

General  Missionary  Society 197 

His  statement  and  views  in  relation  to  it 199 

American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 202 

American  Tract  Society 203 

Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union   204 

His  examination  of,  and  disappointment  in,  a  number  of  its  publica- 
tions.  , 207 

Correspondence  with  the  Secretary 208 

Evangelical  Knowledge  Society 225 

Correspondence  with  Bishop  Otey 228 

Consecration  of  Bishop  Polk  ;  agreementof  Bishops  Meade,  M'Hvaine. 
Otey  and  Polk  to  pray  specially  for  each  other  on  every  Sunday 

morning 237 

Form  of  prayer  for  that  purpose  by  Bishops  Meade  and  Otey 237 

Views  of  Bishops  Moore  and  Meade  on  the  use  of  the  Surplice 240 

Proposal,  to  introduce  an  auxiliary  of  the  Episcopal  Sunday  School 

Union  into  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia 242 

Letter  of  Bishop  Meade  on  the  use  of  fiction  as  a  vehicle  of  reli- 
gious truth 247 

Letter  to  Bishop  Alonzo  Potter  on  the  Temperance  Society 249 

Oxford  Tracts 252 

Extract  from  a  letter  on  the  subject  by  Bishop  Griswold ....« 254 

Bishop  Moore's  early  and  earnest  warning  to  his  Diocese 255 

Action  of  the  Virginia  Convention 258 

Address  by  Bishop  Meade  to  the  Convention  of  1842 260 

Other  papers  prepared  by  him 264 

Discipline 277 

History  of  the  19th  Canon  of  Virginia,  ''Oifendersto  be  admonished 

or  expelled  from  the  Lord's  Table." 278 

Qualifications  of  Lay  Delegates 287 

Clerical  discipline  in  the  case  of  a  Deacon,  with  letters  on  the  subject 

from  several  Bishops 288 

Episcopal  Discipline 299 

Proceedings  in  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania 300 

Proceedings  in  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  New  York 306 

Proceedings  in  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  New  Jersey 322 

Bishop  Meade's  relation  to  each ;  the  violence  with  which  he  was 
assailed  ;  his  vindication  furnished  by  the  documents  published 
in  connection  with  the  several  cases,  and  his  own  statements  pre- 
sei'ved  in  manuscript , 369 — 383 


CONTENTS.  V 

PAGB 

Effort  for  the  restoration  of  the  suspended  Bishop 387 

Bishop  Meade's  opposition  and  reasons 393 

Assault  upon  Bishop  Meade;  his  reply 396 

Letter  of  Bishop  Hopkins 399 

Double  duties,  as  Rector  and  Bishop 400 

•Connection   with  Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  and  St.  Paul's  Church, 

Petersburg ....« 402 

5nteresting  services,  and  increased  religious  interest  in  Norfolk 404 

Letter  to  his   god-children 410 

Letter  to  a  student  at  the  University  of  Virginia 411 

Domestic  afflictions 412 

Affecting  letter  to  his  infant  grandson  after  the  mother's  death 432 

Writings 434 

Letters  to  Bishops  Johns,  Hopkins,  and  B.  T.  Onderdonk 435 

"Lectures  on  the  Pastoral  Office," 439 

"  Old  Churches,  Families  and  Ministers  of  Virginia," 441 

"The  Bible  and  the  Classics," 442 

Devotional  and  other  papers 445 

Decline  of  health;  letter  from  his  daughter-in-law 457 

Intermission  of  his  labors 459 

Testimony  of  respect  and  affection  from  the  family  at  Mount  Vernon.  461 

Visit  to  Europe 462 

Brief  memoranda  of  foreign  travel,  with  passages  from  letters  "pub- 
lished in  the  Southern  Churchman," 462 

His  passionfor  trees 465 

Death  of  Bishop  Moore 467 

Bishop  Meade's  address  to  the  Convention 468 

Special  services  in  Petersburg 469 

Visitation  of  the  AVestern  section  of  the  Diocese 469 

His  health  impaired  by  conslant  and  laborious  services  ;  application 

to  the  Convention  for  official  aid 470 

Election  and  Consecration  of  an  Assistant  Bishop 471 

Bishop  Meade's  manner  of  officiating  during  the  period  of  his  bodily 

infirmity 472 

Unpleasant  occurrence  at  Lawrenceville 473 

Brief  statement  of  his  views  on  slavery 476 

Change  in  bis  health  and  change  in  his  mode  of  officiating 478 

Prosperity  of  the  Theological  Seminary 480 

New  and  additional  buildings 480 

Their  formal  dedication.     Services  on  the  occasion  and  addresses  by 

Bishops  Meade  and  Bedell 481 

Tribute  to  Cassius  F.  Lee,  Esq 483 

Ceneral  Convention  of  1859  in  Richmond,  Va 484 

State  of  the  Country 490 

Letters  on  the  subject  from  Bishop  Meade  to  Bishops  M'Hvaine  and 

Johns 492 

His  address  to  the  Convention  of  Virginia  in  1861 496 

Provisional  measures  adopted  by  the  Convention 500 

Bishop  Meade's  letter  in  behalf  of  the  suffering  soldiers 501 

Preliminary  Convention  of  Southern  Dioceses 502 

Notes  in  anticipation  of  their  united  action 503 

Consecration  of  a  Bishop  for  Alabama 506 

Bishop  Meade's  sickness,  death,  and  funeral 507 

Resolutions  of  the  Clergy ; 514 


VI  CONTENTf^. 

PAGE, 

Notice  of  the  great  bereavement  in  Bishop  Johns'  address  to  the  Con- 
vention of  1862 515- 

Extract  from  Bishop  Meade's  sermon  on  the  opening  of  the  Conven- 
tion of  1861 5ia 

Transfer  of  his  remains  from  the  vault  in  which  they  were  tempora- 
rily placed,  and  services  connected  with  their  interment  in  an 
appropriate  lot  in  Holywood  Cemetery,  Richmond..... 520 

Commemorative  Sermon  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Sparrow,  D.D.,  Professor 

of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia 521 


DEDICATION. 

To    the    Clergy    and    Laity    of    the    Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  Virginia. 

To  you,  brethren,  this  Memoir  is  cordially  dedicated  by 
one  who  appreciates  your  love  and  support  during  the  past 
four  and  twenty  years  of  his  Episcopate — gratefully  remem- 
bers the  aifectionate  expression  of  your  sympathy  in  the 
bereavement  which  this  Memoir  records,  and  earnestly 
prays  that  the  brief  remnant  of  his  ministry  may  be  so 
passed  that  the  blessed  bonds  of  peace  and  love  which 
^^nite  us  in  Christ  Jesus,  may  be  strengthened  by  our  con- 
tinued co-operation  in  promoting  the  interests  of  His 
Church  on  earth,  and  perpetuated  in  purity  and  bliss  in 
Heaven. 

Malvern.  J.  Johns. 


PEEFACE. 


At  the  earnest  solicitation  of  the  sons  of  Bishop  Meade, 
I  consented,  though  not  without  serious  misgiving,  to  pre- 
pare a  memoir  of  their  honored  father.  To  the  responsi- 
bility thus  assumed,  and  the  difficulty  and  delicacy  of 
the  performance,  I  was  not  insensible.  As  none  of  the 
many  attempts  to  represent  his  personal  appearance  had 
been  very  satisfactory,  it  was  not  to  be  expected  that  the 
more  difficult  portraiture  of  his  remarkable  character, 
could  be  so  executed  as  to  prove  generally  acceptable. 
Any  delineation  which  would  accord  with  the  impressions 
of  those  who  knew  him  intimately,  would  be  regarded  as 
too  favorable  by  general  acquaintances,  and  others  would 
perhaps  pronounce  against  it  as  unreal.  I  have  therefore 
abstained  from  any  formal  effort  to  present  a  full  exhibi- 
tion of  the  subject  of  this  Memoir,  and  have  adopted,  as 
far  as  practicable,  the  less  pretentious,  but  safer  expedient 
of  letting  his  deeds  reflect  his  likeness,  and  his  own  clear 
utterances  illustrate  his  spirit. 

If  his  actions  had  always  been  isolated,  and  his  commu- 
nications so  impersonal,  that  in  reporting  them,  they  might 
be  entirely  detached  from  the  course  of  others,  then,  what- 
ever skill  the  proper  selection  might  require,  it  could  be 
accomplished  without  the  appearance  or  suspicion  of  par- 
tiality. 

This,  however,  is  not  possible  in  Bishop  Meade's  case. 
Many  of  the  transactions  in  which  he  was  engaged,  and 
which  were  most  decidedly  characteristic  of  the  man,  were 
of  an  official  nature,  open  before  the  Church,  and  affecting 


VI  PREFACE. 

the  reputation  of  others,  as  well  as  his  own.  Some  of 
these  I  would  gladly  pretermit.  But  these  are  the  very- 
cases  in  connection  with  which  he  has  been  most  egregi- 
ously  misrepresented,  and  most  violently  attacked.  Under 
these  circumstances,  silence  might  be  construed  as  acquies- 
cence in  the  statements  of  his  assailants  —  and,  to  leave  to 
some  later  period  the  collection  and  use  of  the  ample 
materials  for  his  vindication  now  available,  would  be  to 
risk  their  loss,  and  would  justly  expose  me  to  the  charge 
of  unfaithfulness  to  my  trust,  or  at  least,  of  culpable  incon- 
sideration.  In  recording  those  cases,  I  have  relied  on  his 
own  manuscripts,  together  with  other  authentic  records 
and  cotemporary  publications,  venturing  upon  little  com- 
ment beyond  what  their  perspicuous  and  decided  present- 
ment required.  If,  in  one  instance,  this  policy  has  been 
departed  from,  it  is  because  I  would  blush  to  have  record- 
ed it  without  a  feeling  of  honest  indignation  which  refused 
to  be  repressed,  and  which  on  careful  revision,  I  see  no 
cause  to  regret. 

A  refugee  life,  amidst  the  disturbances  of  a  protracted 
civil  war  —  with  the  pressure  of  increased,  various,  and 
sometimes  very  painful  official  services  —  without  a  study 
and  without  books,  was  not  favorable  for  the  preparation 
of  the  Memoir.  Accomplished  under  such  disadvantages, 
the  considerate  reader  will  not  be  exacting,  and  if,  on  per- 
using this  volume,  he  experiences  a  moiety  of  the  gratifi- 
cation and  profit  which  its  composition  has  afforded  me, 
by  renewing  in  spirit  my  intimate  intercourse  with  its 
loved  and  venerated  subject,  then  I  shall  be  amply  remu- 
nerated for  the  time  and  labor  which  it  required. 

J.  Johns. 


MEMOIR. 


ISTearly  three-fourths  of  a  century  have  passed  since  the 
birth  of  the  subject  of  his  biography,  and  with  this  lapse 
of  time,  the  companions  of  his  childhood  have  disappear- 
ed, leaving  but  two  of  their  number  to  testify  of  his  early 
days.  These  two  retain  very  distinct  impressions  of  his 
appearance,  deportment  and  spirit  as  a  boy,  but  can  recall 
but  few  incidents  sufficiently  characteristic  for  formal  use 
in  connexion  with  this  record. 

A  letter  from  the  only  surviving  member  of  his  family, 
a  sister  who  was  five  years  younger  than  himself,  contains 
a  line  which  is  conclusive  as  to  the  date  of  his  birth.  "In 
our  old  family  Bible  is  written  'William  Meade,  born  Nov. 
11th,  1789.'" 

The  eldest  brother,  Eichard  Kidder,  who  was  much 
addicted  to  genealogy,  left  among  his  papers  a  brief  his- 
tory of  the  Meade  family.  He  traces  to  Thomas  Crom- 
well, a  blacksmith  of  Putney' in  Ireland,  who  was  father 
of  Thomas  Cromwell,  servant  of  Wolsey,  and  his  successor 
in  the  favor  of  Henry  the  Eighth,  but  who,  forfeiting  that, 
was  beheaded  by  his  order.  Oliver  Cromwell  was  his 
nephew.  One  branch  of  this  family  was  the  Everards  of 
Essex,  from  whom- Eichard  Kidder,  Bishop  of  Bath  and 
Wells,  was  derived. 

The  paternal  ancestor  of  the  family  in  this  country  was 
Andrew  Meade,  born  in  the  county  of  Kerry  and  kingdom 
of  Ireland,  about  the  latter  part  of  the  seventeenth  cen- 
tury. Tradition  says  that  on  leaving  his  native  country, 
he  went  first  to  London,  and  from  thence  came  to  New 
York,  where  he  married  Mary  Latham  of  Flushing.  Some 
five  years  afterward  he  removed  to  Virginia,  and  settled 


8  MEMOIR    or    BISHOP    MEADE. 

in  Nansemond  county.  One  son  and  a  daughter  were  all 
the  children  he  left.  The  son  David  married  Susannah, 
daughter  of  Gov.  Everard,  of  North  Carolina.  Their  chil- 
dren were  Anne,  who  married  Kichard  Randolph  of  Curls  — 
David,  who  inherited  the  estate  in  l^ansemond  —  Richard 
Kidder,  Everard,  Andrew  and  John.  The  three  elder  boys 
were  sent  to  England  for  their  education,  and  placed  under 
the  care  of  Dr.  Thackery,  the  Principal  of  Harrow  School 
and  Archdeacon  of  Surrey. 

Richard  Kidder,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  married  Jane 
Randolph  of  Curls  —  an  aunt  of  John  Randolph  of  Roan- 
oke, who  always  called  him  "Uncle  Kidder."  She  lived 
but  a  few  years,  had  several  children,  all  of  whom  died 
before  the  mother. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  conflict  between  the  Colo- 
nies and  Great  Britain,  R.  K.  Meade  lived  at  Coggins' 
Point  in  Prince  George,  now  the  residence  of  Edmund 
Ruffin.  In  that  eventful  struggle  he  felt  the  deepest  inter- 
est, and  promptly  participated  in  it  in  person.  His  name 
is  second  on  the  list  of  a  party  of  gentlemen  who,  on  the 
24th  of  June,  X775,  shortly  after  the  hegira  of  Lord  Dun- 
more,  removed  certain  arms  from  the  Governor's  palace 
at  "Williamsburg,  and  lodge'd  them  in  the  magazine,  of 
which  Dr.  Bland  had  the  charge.  His  signature  is  the  first 
appended  to  the  following  "receipt  of  arms:"  "The  sub- 
scribers acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  stand  of  arms,  each, 
from  the  public  magazine;  which  we  do  oblige  ourselves 
to  return  to  Dr.  Theoderick  Bland  or  order,  when  demand- 
ed."—Dated  June  26th,  1775.  ("Memoir"  prefixed  to  the 
Bland  papers,  pp.  xxiii-iv.)  These  active  measures  were 
soon  followed  by  bloody  collisions.  In  "the  battle  of  the 
Great  Bridge,"  he  took  an  effective  part,  serving  as  Cap- 
tain under  General  Woodford.  In  his  letter  to  Col.  Bland, 
describing  that  fight,  the  cool  determined  spirit  of  the 
writer  is  unmistakably  expressed.  The  letter  is  dated 
"  Norfolk  Town,  Camp,  Dec.  18,  1775.     The  scene  when 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  9 

"the  dead  and  wounded  were  brought  off,  was  too  much. 
".I  then  saw  the  horrors  of  war  in  perfection,  worse  than 
"can  be  imagined.  Good  God!  What  a  sight!  What 
"will  satisfy  the  Governor?  You  know  my  feelings  and 
"  my  determination.  I'll  see  this  present  matter  at  an  end 
"or  die."  —  (Bland  papers,  page  39.) 

This  was  no  momentary  excitement,  but  the  deliberate 
resolve  of  a  patriot  spirit,  animated  by  a  clear  conviction 
of  right  and  ready  to  stand  by  and  sustain  it  at  any  sacri- 
fice. He  at  once  sold  his  estate  on  James  river,  distribu- 
ting the  greater  portion  of  the  proceeds  among  his  rela- 
tions— reserving  only  $3,000  for  himself,  which  he  placed 
in  the  hands  of  a  friend  to  be  invested  for  him  as  he  might 
think  best.  Having  disencumbered  himself,  he  offered  his 
services  to  his  country.  It  is  not  known  what  position  he 
at  first  occupied  or  through  what  grades  he  passed ;  but 
from  several  brief  letters  on  army  matters,  addressed  to 
Col.  Bland,  in  May,  1777,  it  appears  that  he  was  then  aid- 
de-camp  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  and  one  of  his  mili- 
tary family. 

"  As  a  soldier  he  was  distinguished  for  his  activity  in 
reconnoitering,  being  a  good  rider,  and  having  a  fine  ani- 
mal— the  black  mare  —  so  well  known  to  British  as  well  as 
American  armies.  He  used  to  say  that  Hamilton  did  all 
the  head  work  for  the  General,  and  he  the  riding,  recon- 
noitering and  carrying  orders  on  the  field.  He  was  with 
Washington  in  all  the  great  battles  of  the  Eevolution. 
To  him  was  committed  the  superintendence  of  the  execu- 
tion of  Major  Andre,  of  w^hich  he  always  spoke  with  much 
feeling,  saying  that  he  could  not  forbear  tears  at  seeing 
the  execution  of  so  uncommon  and  interesting  a  man, 
though  he  entirely  approved  the  order.  When  Washing- 
ton was  taking  leave  of  some  of  his  aids,  a  circumstance 
occurred  which  showed  his  estimate  of  their  different 
characters.  To  Hamilton  he  said,  *'You  must  go  to  the 
bar,  which  you  can  reach  in  six  months."     To  Laurens, 


10  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

something  as  appropriate.  To  Col.  Meade,  whom  he  then 
called  by  his  familiar  name,  "  Friend  Dick,  you  must  go 
to  a  plantation  in  Virginia ;  you  will  make  a  good  farmer 
and  an  honest  foreman  of  the  grand  jury  of  the  county 
where  you  live."     The  prediction  was  literally  verified. 

"  At  the  close  of  the  war,  Col.  Meade  married  the  widow 
of  Mr.  Eandolph,  of  Chatsworth,  near  Eichmond.  She  is 
mentioned  in  Campbell's  history  as  among  the  female  con- 
tributors to  the  expenses  of  the  war.  Perhaps  this  cir- 
cumstance may  have  first  attracted  the  Colonel's  attention 
to  her."  (O.  ch.  vol.  1,  p.  295.)  Col.  Eichard  Kidder  and 
Mary  Meade  had  six  children,  of  whom  William  was  the 
fifth.* 

The  friend  with  whom  Col.  Meade  had  left  the  portion 
of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  his  estate  which  he  had 
reserved  for  his  own  use,  purchased  with  it  one  thousand 
acres  of  land  in  that  part  of  the  Yalley  of  Virginia,  known 
as  Frederick  County,  and  since  its  subdivisicwi,  as  Clarke. 
It  was  then  a  wild  region,  a  kind  of  backwoods  to  the  first 
settlements  on  tide  water,  and  as  the  price  indicates,  not 
in  much  demand  ;  but  as  it  became  cleared  and  was  brought 
under  cultivation,  its  superior  agricultural  properties  were 
soon  developed  and  it  rose  very  much  in  value.     The  in- 

*  Richard  Kidder   Meade,  born  July  14th,    1746      Married   Dec.    10th, 
1780.     Died  Feb.  9th,  1805. 
Mary  Meade,  his  wife,  born  Nov.  9,  1753.     Died  June  16,  1813. 

CHILDREN. 

Ann  Randolph  Meade,  born  Dec.  3,  1781.  Married  March  23d,  1799. 
Died  March  29,  1838. 

Richard  Kidder  Meade,  born  Feb.  18,  1784.  Married  Dec.  19,  1815. 
Died  Feb.  2fith,  1833. 

William  Fitzhugh  Meade,  born  March  16,  1786.  Died  September  fol- 
lowing. 

Susannah  Meade,  born  March  9th,  1788.     Died  Oct.  2,  1823. 

William  Meade,  born  Nov.  11th,  1789.  Married  Jan.  31,  1810.  Mar- 
ried Dec.  2,  1820. 

David  Meade,  born  March  11,  1793.  Married  Nov.  17,  1814.  Died 
Dec.  19,  1837. 

Mary  Meade,  born  Christmas  day,  1794. 

Lucy  Fitzhugh  Meade,  born  Oct.  26,  1796.     Died  October  2d,  1823. 
[Copied  from  the  old  Family  Bible  ] 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  11 

vestment  was  regarded  as  eminently  advantageous,  which 
is  quaintly  expressed  by  the  name  given  to  the  tract, 
''-  Lucky  Hit." 

After  the  war  Col.  Meade  went  to  reside  on  this  estate, 
and  labored   diligently  as  a  pioneer  in  its  improvement. 
With  his  own  hands  he  assisted  in  tilling  the  ground  and 
"in  the  erection  of  the  buildings  necessary  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  a  family  and  for  the  purposes  of  the  farm. 

The  principal  building  was  a  log  house,  consisting  of 
but  two  rooms.  This  modest  mansion  was  the  birth-place 
of  William  Meade. 

The  energy  of  Col.  Meade  was  not  confined  to  the  gen- 
eral management  of  his  property,  but  extended  to  those 
operations,  which  involved  severe  bodily  exertion.  His 
daughter  describes  him  as  "  hewing  trees  —  working  in  iron 
and  in  leather  —  and,  with  his  box  of  tools,  keeping  in 
repair  the  furniture  of  the  log  house.  In  those  days,  and 
in  that  region,  mechanics  were  scarce.  Col.  Meade  shrank 
from  no  labor  which  the  proper  culture  of  the  soil  or  the 
real  comfort  of  tl; j  dwelling  demanded. 

"Nevertheless  he  did  not  entirely  discard  books  and 
politics,  but  sometimes  wrote  an  article  for  the  press  on 
some  subject  which  deeply  involved  the  interests  of  his 
country.  Nor  did  Washington  disdain  to  consult  him  as 
to  the  choice  of  officers  when,  in  the  near  prospect  of  war 
with  France,  he  was  called  once  more  to  head  the  army. 
The  year  before  the  death  of  Washington,  Col.  Meade 
paid  him  a  visit  at  Mount  Yernon.  They  had  not  met 
since  the  close  of  the  war.  The  General  was  on  the  farm. 
They  met  in  one  of  the  fields  near  a  pair  of  draw  bars. 
Each  recognizing  the  other,  they  dismounted  and  shook 
hands  over  them,  the  General  insisting  that  he  would  pull 
down  his  own  bars,  and  the  Colonel  that  he  would  still  be 
his  aid!"  — (Old  Churches,  vol.  1,  p.  296.) 

As  he  advanced  in  life,  the  effects  of  the  exposure  and 
hardships  of  his  military  career,  became  apparent  in  pre- 


12  MEMOIR    OF    BIteHOP    MEADE. 

mature  infirmity  and  painful  disease,  and  then  "he  was 
seen  moving  about  in  his  Bath  coating  dressing-gown  with 
swollen  hands  and  feet,"  suifering  and  disabled  by  frequent 
attacks  of  the  gout.  Fiom  an  obituar}^  by  the  pen  of  an 
intelligent  acquaintance,  it  appears  that  his  death  was 
caused  by  an  unexpected  attack  of  his  constitutional  dis- 
ease, which  occurred  at  the  residence  of  an  old  friend  in 
the  vicinity,  with  whom  he  was  accustomed  to  pass  much 
of  his  time.  The  obituary  furnishes  so  just  an  estimate 
of  his  character,  that  the  brief  extract  which  follows 
may  be  fitly  introduced  in  this  connexion: 

"  It  id  a  melancholy  reflection  that  the  heroes  of  the  American  Revolu- 
tion— the  patriots  of  "76  —  are  rapidly  declining. 

"On  Saturday,  theQthinst.,  (Feb.  9,  1805,)  at  the  seat  of  Matthew  Page, 
Esq.,  in  Frederick  county,  died  Col.  Richard  Kidder  Meade,  formerly  aid- 
de-camp  to  General  Washington. 

"While  the  memory  of  Col.  Meade  is  cherished  with  fond  enthusiasm 
by  his  surviving  friends,  his  loss  will  be  long  and  bitterly  regretted.  His 
virtues,  though  of  that  dignified  kind  which  enforce  respect,  were  yet  so 
tempered  by  gentleness  and  condescension  that  they  never  failed  to  con- 
ciliate affection.  In  public  life  his  conduct  was  such  as  to  secure  the  esteem 
and  friendship  of  those  accurate  discerners  of  merit — Washington  and 
Hamilton.  ' 

"If  any  virtue  had  a  pre-eminence  over  the  rest  in  his  character,  it  was 
an  invincible  fortitude.  Neither  the  pressure  of  external  calamity  nor  the 
most  acute  bodily  pain  were  ever  known  to  discompose  the  serenity  of  his 
temper.  He  possessed  likewise  a  sensibility  which  seemed  scarcely  compati- 
ble with  such  firmness  as  he  exhibited. 

"The  death  of  his  friend.  General  Hamilton,  made  an  impression  of 
meliincholy  on  his  mind  which,  it  is  believed,  was  not  obliterated  till  the 
hour  of  his  death.  He  had,  for  a  considerable  time,  been  sensible  that  his 
death  was  approaching,  and  when  he  spoke  of  that  event,  always  men- 
tioned it  with  the  utmost  tranquility  of  a  philosopher  and  a  Christian. 
The  gout,  which  had  long  been  wandering  in  his  system,  settled  suddenly 
in  his  stomach,  and  in  a  few  hours  put  a  period  to  his  existence." 

A  concise  notice  of  the  father  is  found  on  the  first  page 
of  a  few  lines  of  manuscript  by  the  son,  commenced  as  a 
memoir  of  himself,  but  soon  abandoned.  "My  father  was 
emphatically  an  tipright  man.     I  remember  to  have  hear 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  13 

him  say  that  his  teacher,  the  master  of  a  grammar  school 
in  England,  used  to  toll  him,  that  though  he  would  not  be 
a  learned  scholar,  he  would  be  what  was  far  better,  ^  vir 
probus.'  My  father  evidently  took  great  pleasure  in  the 
thought  that  he  was  universally  esteemed,  what  he  really 
was,  a  man  of  great  integrity  —  and  without  setting  it  in 
opposition  to  religion,  took  great  pains  to  bring  up  his 
children  in  a  high  admiration  of  the  ^  vir  probus.' '' 

In  the  History  of  the  Old  Churches,  ministers  and  fami- 
lies "  of  Virginia  "  by  the  son,  it  is  recorded  of  the  father 
that  "  he  rejoiced  as  a  citizen  in  those  blessings  which  his 
military  services  had  helped  to  obtain,  and  often  said  that 
there  was  no  debt  he  so  gladly  discharged  as  the  taxes 
levied  for  the  maintenance  of  our  (then)  free  and  happy 
government.  He  never  allowed  a  tax-gatherer  to  come  to 
his  house  in  search  of  what  was  due,  but  always  anticipat- 
ed this  by  paying  it  beforehand  at  some  appointed  place. 
The  same  was  true  of  all  his  debts." 

Another  allusion  to  his  father  is  in  a  private  paper, 
enumerating  causes  for  gratitude,  where  he  specifies 
having  been  blessed  with  "Christian  parents." 

This  sketch  will  aiford  the  means  of  recognizing  in  the 
son  a  happy  reproduction  of  some  of  the  peculiar  features 
of  the  parent. 

The  inestimable  blessing  of  the  household  was  the 
mother,  Mrs.  Mary  Meade.  Her  praise  has  been  trans- 
•mitted  by  her  privileged  associates,  as  well  as  by  the  lips 
and  the  lives  of  her  loving  children.  To  their  welfare  she 
gave  herself  with  uncommon  energy  and  judgment  as  her 
business  and  pleasure,  and  was  amply  compensated  by 
their  affection  and  dutifulness.  Her  maternal  tenderness 
was  a  hallowed  power  for  the  comfort  and  improvement 
of  her  children,  and  not  an  amiable  infirmity  too  blind  to 
behold  and  too  bland  to  correct  or  even  chide  their  faults. 
She  had  no  ambition  to  be  wiser  than  inspiration,  and  when 
required,  she  spared  not  the  rod,  j^et  administering  disci- 


14  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

pline  so  gently  that  the  chastisement  was  as  expressive  of 
affection  as  the  most  agreeable  indulgences. 

In  a  person  of  Mrs.  Meade's  intelligence  and  piety,  it 
might  be  expected  that  religion  would  sustain  and  pervade 
her  system  of  domestic  education.  In  the  autobiographi- 
cal fragment,*  by  the  son,  it  is  stated,  "  On  my  mother 
devolved  the  religious  education  of  the  children,  and  faith- 
fully did  she  perform  that  duty.  A  favorite  topic  with  her 
was  the  continual  presence  of  God,  a  consciousness  of 
which  she  wished  to  have  ever  on  our  minds."  With  the 
effect  of  this  training,  especially  on  this  son,  she  had  no 
cause  to  be  dissatisfied.  The  sister  testifies  that  he  was 
"  very  devoted  to  his  mother,"  and  adds,  "  I  have  heard 
her  say  he  was  very  docile."  He  was  her  scholar  and  com- 
panion till  his  tenth  year,  at  which  age  she  believed 
''that  other  government  and  teachers  should  be  found  for 
her  sons." 

The  high  toned  morality  which  prevailed  at  "Lucky 
Hit,"  forbade  all  habits  of  extravagance,  and  perhaps  was 
not  tolerant  of  certain  indulgences  which  could  not  now 
be  prohibited  in  the  same  class  of  societ}^  without  the 
appearance  of  austerity.  All  daintiness  of  diet  and  expen- 
siveness  of  dress  was  decidedly  eschewed  as  unfavorable  to 
manliness  of  both  of  mind  and  body  —  and  something  like 
Spartan  frugality  and  hardness  were  esteemed  conducive 
to  health,  honesty  and  happiness.  If,  during  the  boyhood 
of  William  Meade,  "his  clothes,  both  for  summer  and  win- 
ter, were  all  of  home  manufacture,"  and  he  little  heeded 
hat  or  shoe  —  it  was  not  from  penuriousness,  but  from  prin- 
ciple, to  avoid  effeminacy  and  to  secure  becoming  vigor 
and  independence. 

At  Carter  Hall,  the  residence  of  Mr.  Burwell,  which  was 
about  five  miles  from  Col.  Meade's,  there   was  a  select 

*  This  fragment  which  will  be  referred  to  as  occasion  offers,  is  endorsed 
thus:  " Something  like  an  autobiography  commenced.  Intended  to  pre- 
vent anything  like  an  heightened  eulogy  by  some  partial  friend,  from 
which  my  soul  revolts." 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  15 

school,  consisting  of  iSlr.  Burwell's  own  boys  and  a  few 
others  received  for  this  purpose,  as  boarders  in  his  family. 
Their  instructor  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wiley,  who,  under  the 
conviction  that  in  entering  upon  the  ministry  he  had  mis- 
taken his  calling,  abstained  from  the  exercises  of  its  sacred 
functions  and  devoted  himself  to  secular  teaching.  For 
this  he  was  well  qualified,  and  pursued  it  with  great  enthu- 
siasm and  singular  success.  His  reputation  as  a  classical 
teacher,  was  not  confined  to  Carter  Hall.  In  the  course 
of  a  few  years  he  was  elected  principal  of  a  flourishing 
academy  in  Fredericktown,  Maryland,  and  afterwards  pro- 
fessor of  languages  in  St.  John's  CoUefje,  Annapolis,  where 
he  remained  till  his  death.  Whatever  his  infirmities  may 
have  been,  he  was  an  able  instructor,  and  his  pupils  com- 
pare favorably  with  those  of  other  teachers  of  that  period. 
To  this  school  at  "  Carter  Hall,"  William  Meade  was  sent 
in  his  tenth  year.  His  literary  taste,  and  more  especially 
his  fondness  for  the  ancient  classics,  were  skilfully  cultiva- 
ted by  the  intelligence  and  zeal  of  Mr.  Wiley.  The  happy 
eff^ect  of  this  training  was*  soon  apparent  in  the  successful 
collegiate  course  of  the  pupil;  but  its  most  surprising 
result  was  reserved  for  the  closing  years  of  his  life,  and 
survives  in  the  last  volume  of  his  numerous  writings  — 
"The. Bible  and  the  Classics"  —  the  excellent  fruit  of  his 
old  age. 

The  desire  to  know  something  of  the  spirit  and  bearing 
of  the  boy  and  of  the  incidents  connected  with  his  school 
days,  is  perfectly  natural.  But  where  are  the  witnesses? 
Of  all  his  companions  at  "Carter  Hall,"  but  one  survives; 
he,  his  junior  by  two  years,  and  never  associated  with  him 
in  the  same  classes.  This  sole  witness,  whose  own  worth 
fitted»him  emir^ntly  for  perceiving  and  appreciating  the 
character  of  William  Meade,  furnishes,  in  a  recent  reply 
to  a  letter,  the  following  concise  statement: 

"I  went  to  school  with  him  for  about  two  years,  (I  think  between  the 
years  1801  and  1804,)  to  a  Mr.   "Wiley  who  then  taught  in  the  family  of 


16  MEMOIR    OF    EISHOP    MEADE. 

Col.  Burwell,  of  Carter  Hall,  being  at  the  time  about  ten  years  old,  and 
William  two  years  my  senior.  He  was,  at  that  timfe,  as  I  recollect  hira,  a 
boy  of  uncommonly  amiable  character,  insomuch  that  I  was  at  once  attract- 
ed to  him,  and  at  that  early  period  formed  for  him  a  friendship  which  was 
increased  by  all  my  subsequent  intercourse  with  him  to  the  end  of  his  life. 
This  I  think  was  the  general  estimation  of  him  in  the  school.  He  was 
more  than  usually  liked  among  the  boys.  As  he  was  in  more  advanced 
classes  than  myself,  I  have  not  a  very  distinct  recollection  of  his  standing 
as  a  scholar,  though  my  impression  is  that  it  was  excellent.  He  was  full 
of  vivacity,  and  showed  much  of  that  ardor  and  energy  in  the  sports  of 
boyhood,  which  has  since  greatly  distinguished  him  in  matters  of  a  graver 
kind.  In  following  his  impulses  of  this  sort,  he  would  occasionally  be  be- 
trayed into  improprieties  which  brought  on  him  the  rebuke  of  his  teacher. 
I  have  a  very  distinct  recollection,  in  particular,  of  one  incident  illustrat- 
ing this  point.  In  one  t)f  his  rambles  on  the  banks  of  a  stream  which 
ran  through  the  ''Carter  Hall"  estate,  he  got  in  pursuit  of  an  eel,  which, 
by  dint  of  great  effort  and  strategy,  he  at  length  succeeded  (in  the  techni- 
cal language  of  the  youth fuLanglers)  in  hanging  —  that  is  to  say,  in  drawing 
up  from  the  water,  but  not  finally  capturing  it.  The  call  to  books  inter- 
rupted the  sport  for  the  time.  Upon  going  into  school,  his  head  was  so 
full  of  his  late  exploit  that  he  could  think  of  nothing  else.  Books  for  the 
time  were  quite  out  of  the  question,  and  he  could  do  nothing  but  go  round 
among  his  companions,  detailing  his  adventure,  particularly  dwelling  on 
the  fact  that,  though  he  had  not  whollysecured  the  slippery  prize,  he  cer- 
tainly had  'lying  an  eel.'  At  last  the  disturbance  made  by  the  loud  and 
animated  whispering,  attracted  the  attention  of  Mr.  Wiley,  who,  to  punish 
his  disorderly  conduct  and  make  any.further  communication  about  the  eel 
superfluous,  fastened  on  his  back  a  piece  of  paper,  on  which  was  written, 
in  large  letters,  '  William  Meade  hung  an  eel.'  " 

"After  leaving  Mr.  Wiley's  school,  I  do  not  remember  to  have  met  with 
William  until  after  he  became  a  minister.  I  forbear  going  into  any  details 
of  his  subsequent  life.  I  will,  however,  say,  that  having  known  him  in- 
timately during  the  whole  time,  I  have  never  seen  anything  to  justify  the 
idea  some  have  entertained,  that  there  was  anything  harsh  or  repulsive 
about  him,  either  in  his  character  or  manners.  On  the  contrary,  he  always 
appeared  to  me  in  the  light  of  a  warm-hearted  and  affectionate,  as  well  as 
a  firm  and  faithful  friend."  —  [Letter  of  Major  Thomas  M.  Ambler,  of  Mor- 
ven,  Fauquier  Co.] 

Another  significant  school-boy  adventure  has  been 
transmitted  by  uncontradicted  tradition.  The  garden  at 
Carter  Hall  was  surrounded  by  a  high  enclosure,  which 
formed  an  adequate  protection  against  ordinary  intruders, 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  17 

but  did  not  hide  the  inviting  fruit  from  the  vision  of  those 
outside.  The  temptation  thus  constantly  presented,  was 
too  much  for  boy  nature  —  but  who  so  active  as  to  scale 
the  barrier,  or  so  bold  as  to  risk  detection  ?  William 
Meade  was  the  one  to  volunteer  for  the  enterprise.  Apart 
from  the  fine  fruit,  for  which,  thrgugh  life,  his  appetite 
was  extraordinary,  the  peril  involved  appealed  to  his 
intrepidity,  and  fondness  for  adventure.  Aided  by  the 
boys,  he  was  soon  over  the  fence,  and  in  the  midst  of  the 
spoils.  But  the  pillage  had  scarcely  begun,  when  Col. 
Burwell,  himself,  surprised  and  arrested  him  in  the  very 
act.  On  hearing  how  he  had  eflFected  an  entrance,  the 
Col.  seems  to  have  lost  sight  of  the  offence,  in  admiration 
of  the  daring  it  evinced.  Instead  of  punishing  the  trans- 
gressor, he  said,  "help  yourself  to  as  many  as  you  can  eat, 
but  take  none  away  with  you.  Those  who  would  not 
share  the  danger,  shall  not  partake  of  its  fruits." 

In  athletic  exercises  and  juvenile  sports,  William  Meade 
engaged  with  great  ardor  and  success.  The  popular 
amusement  of  dancing  and  its  associations,  seemed  to  have 
had  peculiar  charms  for  him  at  this  period.  In  a  letter  to 
his  sister  a  few  months  after  he  had  left  home  for  college, 
he  adverts  to  those  fascinating  scenes — "What  would  I  not 
give  to  spend  a  few  such  evenings  with  our  Virginia  belles 
as  I  did  last  Summer,  during  the  time  of  the  dancing 
school :  that  was  a  golden  age,  indeed,  to  me." 

When,  at  a  subsequent  period,  he  regarded  that  recrea- 
tion as  frivolous  in  itself,  and  pernicious  in  its  rnfluences  on 
Christian  experience  and  character,  the  decided  change  in 
his  opinion  must  be  imputed  to  some  other  cause  than 
native  austerit}-,  or  insufficient  information.  He  could 
truly  affirm  —  I  speak  that  I  do  know,  and  testify  that  I 
have  seen,  and  in  which  I  once  delighted. 

When  he  had  attained  his  seventeenth  year,  he  was 
thought  to  be  sufficiently  advanced  in  his  studies  to  enter 
advantageously  on  his  collegiate  course.     The  Rev.  Samuel 


18  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

Stanhope  Smith  was  at  this  time  the  President  of  Prince, 
ton  College,  New  Jersey,  and  by  his  distinguished  literary 
attainments,  and  elegant  manners,  had  rendered  the  Insti- 
tution highly  attractive  to  Southern  students. 

In  the  Fall  of  1806,  William  Meade  and  two  of  his  com- 
panions —  William  Page,  of  Frederick  county,  and  William 
Fitzhugh,  of  Fairfax,  matriculated  as  members  of  the 
Junior  Class. 

His  first  letter  from  Princeton  will  form  his  appropriate 

personal  introduction,  and  extracts  from  the  few  others 

which  remain,  will  afford  sufficient  information  as  to  his 

life  in  College  : 

Nassau  Hall,  Nov.  19,  1806. 

I  received  my  dear  sister's  letter,  accompanied  by  one  from  brother  Kid- 
der, dated  the  10th,  yesterday  morning  ;  both  of  them  gave  me  inexpressi- 
ble delight  by  informing  me  of  the  health  of  all  my  friends.  I  thank  my 
sister  for  her  great  anxiet/  concerning  the  manner  of  my  admission  into 
the  Junior  Class,  and  am  glad  to  inform  you  that  neither  William  Page 
or  myself  were  deficient  in  anything  except  Kenneth's  Antiquities,  which 
we  had  never  read.  Wm.  Fitzhugh  being  well  versed  in  that  book,  was 
deficient  in  nothing. 

As  to  our  lodging  in  the  same  room,  we  found  that  impossible ;  but  are 
all  fixed  greatly  to  our  satisfaction.  My  own  room-mates  are  very  clever, 
sensible  young  men,  and  I  hope  we  shall  all  agree  well.  You  request  a  par- 
ticular account  of  my  journey,  but  want  of  time  must  excuse  me.  At 
some  future  period  I  will  satisfy  your  curiosity.  I  cannot  be  so  ungrateful 
as  to  omit  our  reception  in  Philadelphia.  Besides  the  particular  attention 
of  Aunt  Hair,  and  all  my  other  aunts  and  uncles,  Mr,  Abercromby  and  bis 
whole  family,  treated  me  in  the  most  friendly  hospitable  manner.  He  car- 
ried us  over  the  whole  town,  and  often  invited  us  to  his  house,  to  which 
we  went  very  willingly,  for  his  daughters  are  the  finest  women  I  ever  be- 
held. It  was  with  reluctance  we  proceeded  on  to  Princeton,  where  we  are 
safely  landed,  and  have  to  suffer  penance  for  our  long  vacation.  Upon, 
examination  I  found  my  purse  so  light  as  to  be  obliged  to  write  for  more  — 
but  for  fear  of  disappointment,  ask  Mr.  Bowen  to  endeavor  to  get  the 
balance  due  from  Pain,  and  send  it  to  me  by  the  first  post.  This  short  let- 
ter must  suffice  for  the  present.  I  thank  you  for  your  good  advice,  and 
will  try  to  follow  it  as  far  as  lies  in  my  power.  Remember  me  to  all  my 
friends,  particularly  to  Uncle,  in  the  most  affectionate  terms,  and  believe 
me.  Your  affectionate  brother, 

William  Meade. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  19 

p.  s. — Excuse  me  for  not  returning  the  compliment  of  writing  post-paid, 
for  believe  me,  I  have  but  18  cents  in  the  world. 

Nassau  Hall,  Feb.,  1807. 
My  Dear  Mother : — 

Many,  many  thanks  for  your  long,  long  expected  letter,  which  came 
last  Tuesday  evening,  not,  however,  before  it  had  taken  atrip  to  Brunswick. 
Here  is  an  additional  argument  which  ought  to  make  you  punctual,  for  who 
knows  whether  the  next  neglect  may  not  send  it  on  to  Nova  Scotia,  and 
there  be  salted  up  among  their  herrings.  Notwithstanding  this  misfortune, 
your  letter,  my  dear  mamma,  was  truly  grateful  to  my  heart,  and  so  will 
all  of  them  be  while  I  have  an  affectionate  heart,  and  I  hope  to  die  before 
it  shall  be  otherwise  than  truly  so.  Your  anxious  solicitude,  your  hopes 
and  fears  for  your  children's  future  conduct  will,  I  hope,  only  make  me 
more  dutiful.  The  thought  of  a  fond  mother's  tender  care,  of  the  trans- 
port she  will^eceive,  at  realized  hopes,  or  the  unhappiness  she  must  feel 
at  seeing  her  expectations  blasted  in  undutiful  and  bad  children,  will,  I 
most  fervently  pray,  ever  be  an  inmate  in  our  breasts  and  warn  us  of  our 
duty.  Your  letter  was  doubly  satisfactory,  because  it  assured  me  you 
were  well  and  all  round  you  going  on  happily.  It  merits  a  longer  reply 
than  I  am  able  to  give  at  present  by  reason  of  the  urgency  of  college 
duties.  You  will  excuse  me  though,  I  am  sure,  as  I  do  not  often  put  you 
off  with  a  laconic  epistle.  There  is  nothing  new  worth  relating,  which 
you  have  not  heard,  and  I  am  no  politician  to  expatiate  on  the  Embargo. 
Farmer  Meade  seems  to  have  been  inspired  by  it,  for  he  gave  me  some 
verses  full  of  patriotic  warmth.  It  must  have  acted  both  as  muse  and  sub- 
ject to  him,  for  I  never  knew  he  was  a  ppet  before.  Here,  then,  is  one 
advantage  arising  from  the  horrid  Embargo  that  it  has  given  America  a 
poet.  Let  Mr.  Jefferson  alone.  He  knew  that  we  should  want  Bards  to 
sing  our  battles,  and  proposed  this  method  to  bring  them  out  from  their 
farm  yards.  Embargo  born  poets  !  beautiful  name !  America  disdains 
being  shackled  by  custom,  and  will  have  no  poets  dependent  on  the  Nine. 
However,  brother  Kidder  may  call  me  envious,  I  will  therefore  desist.  I 
must  conclude  by  sending  my  love  to  all  in  the  neighborhood,  old  and 
young  —  the  pretty  girls  whom  I  long  to  see,  and  the  boys  who,  I  hope, 
are  going  on  well  with  their  studies.  Tell  Mr.  Wylie  I  confess  my  neglect 
and  will  try  to  write  soon.  Remember  me  to  all  the  servants.  Daddy  Bru- 
tus, and  Aggy  in  particular.  Thank  Susan  for  her  letter,  and  answer 
this  hurried  one  from  me. 

I  am  your  affectionate  son, 

W.  Meade. 

P.  S. — ^Ym.  Fitzhugh  is  well  and  thanks  you  for  your  letter. 

Nassau  Hall,  Nov. — 
My  Dear  Mother : — 

Your  affectionate  letter  dictated  in  a  warm  bed,  and  after  a  good  night's 


20  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

rest,  has  safely  arrived.  I  rejoice  that  all  my  friends  are  well,  but  was  disap- 
pointed in  not  receiving  a  particular  account  of  brother  Kidder's  leg,  con- 
cerning which  I  cannot  but  feel  a  little  uneasiness,  until  I  am  assured  of  its 
perfect  restoration  to  strength.  I  beg,  therefore,  to  be  informed  minutely 
in  the  next  letter  from  Frederick. 

To  proceed  to  your  next  information  concerning  the  regularity  you  are 
about  to  introduce  in  the  several  occupations  of  my  sisters,  I  must  say  that 
I  rejoice  to  hear  of  it,  and  hope  you  will  succeed  to  the  extent  of  your 
wishes. 

Perhaps  I  may  be  called  a  trumpeter  of  my  own  fame,  when  I  say  that 
my  mother  would  be  highly  gratified  in  seeing  the  order  I  observe  in  every 
one  of  my  occupations,  whether  it  be  study,  conversation  with  a  few  par- 
ticular friends,  or  my  exercise  for  the  preservation  of  health.  Had  I  time 
at  present,  you  should  have  a  particular  account  of  them  all.  Perhaps  you 
may  think  this  but  a  poor  specimen  of  the  advantage  I  receive  from  ray 
regul  arity,  not  to  be  able  to  write  a  long  letter  to  my  mother  once  in  two 
weeks.  You  shall  have  an  explanation  of  it.  Our  class  is  shortly  obliged 
to  appear  on  the  Church  stage,  and  each  made  to  deliver  an  oration  of  his 
own  composition.  In  preparing  this  I  am  now  engaged,  otherwise  I  would 
write  you  a  long  circumstantial,  aflfectionate  epistle.  In  my  next  1  will  be 
more  explicit.  You  tell  me  Mary  has  been  reading  to  ,vou  my  favorite 
author.  Watts.  I  know  you  must  be  pleased  with  his  sentiments,  though 
not  more  than  I  am  myself.  Would  you  believe  me  when  I  tell  you  that  I 
had  spent  the  whole  of  the  evening  en  which  I  got  your  letter,  in  reading 
his  rules  for  the  improvement  of  the  mind.  I  have  an  elegant  English 
edition  of -that  book,  which  I  shall  ever  value  above  all  others,  as  it  was  a 
present  from  a  much  loved  friend  of  mine.  He  is  a  student,  but  unlike  the 
greater  part  of  them.  We  have  been  intimate  since  our  first  entrance  into 
College,  which  intimacy  has  ripened  into  a  friendship,  I  hope  not  of  that 
flimsy  texture  which  often  marks  youthful  connexions.  His  name  is 
Howell ;  you  may,  perhaps,  have  heard  me  €peak  of  him  before.  I  at  first 
refused  his  offer,  fearing  lest  he  should  be  unable  to  procure  another  here- 
after, but  he  pressed  me  much  to  take  it,  and  preserve  it  as  a  token  of  his 
affection.  Knowing  how  anxious  you  were  for  me  to  procure  it,  I  accepted 
it,  and  hope  to  have  the  esseu'^e  of  it  in  my  mind  when  I  return  to  my 
friends. 

And  now,  my  dear  mother,  I  must  bid  you  adieu,  with  a  fervent  prayer 
that  God  will  grant  you  health  and  happiness,  and  the  love  of  your  child- 
ren. I  am  your  dutiful  son, 

William  Meade. 

P.  S.— My  love  to  brothers,  sisters,  friends  and  neighbors.  If  I  have 
a  few  moments  to  spare  before  the  post  goes  out,  I  must  scribble  a  few  lines 
to  Lucy. 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  21 

My  Dear  Sister : — 

I  have  found  time  to  write  you  a  few  lines,  but  wish  from  my  heart  that 
I  could  assign  some  other  cause  for  it  than  the  following  :  Dr.  Smith  has 
just  heard  of  the  death  of  his  favourite  daughter,  and  is  unable  to  attend 
on  our  class  this  evening.  If  I  judge  correctly  of  my  sister  Lucy's  heart, 
she  will  sympathise  with  me  in  lamenting  this  unfortunate  circumstance. 
You  should  feel  for  all,  my  sister,  and  remember  what  you  would  feel  your- 
self on  such  an  occasion.  To  leave  this  melancholy  subject,  I  thank  you  for 
your  letter.  I  think  it  pretty  good,  although  it  had  several  errors.  My 
dear  sister,  improve  the  present  opportunity  of  learning  useful  things  ;  I 
assure  you  will  never  find  another,  so  capable,  and  so  desirous'  of  teaching 
you  as  mamma.  Love  her  with  all  your  heart  —  be  dutiful  and  make  her 
happy — then  you  will  be  lov^d  more  sincerely  by 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

W.  Meade. 

P.  S. — Give  my  love  to  David.  Tell  him  to  write  me  how  he  is  coming 
on  with  his  studies,  and  I  will  answer  his  letter.  Tell  Mr.  Wyley  as  he 
would  not  write  to  me,  I  am  determined  to  write  to  him,  and  rouse  him 
from  his  lethargy. 


Nassau  Hall,  Dec.  7,  1806. 

On  Monday  evening  I  received  my  dear  brother's  letter,  enclosing  a  note 
of  $50 .  It  was  very  acceptable  to  me  on  two  accounts  —  the  one  because  it 
assured  me  of  the  health  of  my  dear  mother,  and  all  my  friends — the  other 
because  it  enabled  me  to  pay  what  I  had  borrowed,  and  likewise  to  pur- 
chase some  articles  -that  are  absolutely  necessary.  I  have  in  the  end  of 
the  letter  stated  in  what  manner  a  part  of  the  money  was  disposed  of,  the 
remainder,  I  think,  will  be  fully  sufficient  for  this  session.  Be  assured,  I 
will  run  into  no  expense  which  can  be  avoided.  You  desire  to  know  how 
tnuoh  will  suffice  for  one  year.  I  cannot  decide  accurately,  but  I  think, 
exclusive  of  traveling  expenses  and  clothes,  $300  will  be  fully  sufficient;  if  it  is 
possible,  T  will  make  less  serve  me.  I  really  think  my  dear  brother  might 
have  devoted  a  few  moments  more  to  his  letter,  and  have  given  me  some 
little  information  concerning  the  farm,  as  he  must  know  how  very  anxious 
I  am  to  hear  of  every  movement  about  it.  Pray  take  time  in  your  next, 
which,  I  hope,  will  be  very  soon,  and  tell  me  particularly  how  the  wheat 
looks,  how  much  corn  you  make,  whether  you  have  sold  any  wheat  or 
pork,  and  at  whgj,  price,  which  of  the  boys  you  hire  for  the  ensuing  year, 
and  how  you  and  Mr.  Green  come  on?  An  answer  to  all  these  questions 
will  afford  me  much  satisfaction,  and  will  not  be  very  troublesome  to  you, 
who  are  so  expert  with  your  pen. 

Tell  mamma,  my  mind  does  not  run  so  much  on  home  as  to  cause  the 
least  neglect  of  my  studies.  At  the  mention  of  my  studies,  I  recollect  my 
promise  in  a  former  letter  of  informing  you  what  they  were.     We  are  at 


22  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

present  at  Euclid  and  Algebra,  in  the  former  of  which  we  recite  iBve  prob- 
lems per  day.  In  a  few  weeks  we  will  recite  Sunday  lectures  to  Dr.  Hun- 
ter. The  remaining  studies  of  this  year  are  Navigation,  Surveying,  Trig- 
onometry, Heilsham's  and  Blair's  Lectures.  As  the  studies  of  the  Junior 
Class  are  easy  in  comparison  with  those  of  the  Senior,  I  shall  avail  myself 
of  the  opportunity,  and  read  History  while  I  have  it  in  my  power.  At 
present  I  am  engaged  with  the  American  Revolution,  written  by  a  company 
of  gentlemen  in  England.  If  my  eyes  will  permit,  I  intend  to  be  a  very 
hard  student  during  my  residence  at  Colle'ge.  My  brother  must  excuse  my 
abrupt  conclusion,  as  it  is  Church  time,  and  I  wish  to  address  a  few  lines 
to  my  mother  on  the  next  page,  when  I  return.  Please  to  give  my  best 
love  to  all  our  friends,  to  my  sisters,  and  to  David.  The  only  manner  in 
which  you  can  now  evince  your  affection  for  me,  is  by  endeavoring  to 
make  our  dear  mother  happy  by  your  tenderness  and  care  of  her.  Adieu, 
and  believe  me  Your  affectionate  brother, 

William  Meade. 

ACCOUNT. 

To  Black  Gown...'. $6.25 

"  Table  and  Cbair 4.75 

"  Money  borrowed 2.50 

"  Skates 1.00 

"  Neckcloths , 88 

"  Shoes 1.00 

"  Sundry  Articles 1.50 


In  my  letter  to  sister,  I  promised  to  address  my  next  letter  to  my  dear 
mother,  but  without  thinking,  have  used  almost  the  whole  of  the  paper  in 
writing  to  brother  Kidder.  My  mother  will  excuse  me,  no  doubt,  upon 
my  promise  of  never  neglecting  her  so  again.  I  hoped  long  ago  to  have, 
received  a  letter  from  you  in  your  own  handwriting,  nor  can  I  conceive 
the  reason  why  I  have  not.  If  you  do  not  favour  me  with  one  soon,  I  shall 
be  certain  you  are  too  unwell  to  write,  and  will  put  no  confidence  in  the 
assertions  of  any  letters  but  your  own,  concerning  your  own  health.  Pray, 
my  dear  mother,  be  careful  of  yourself  this  winter.  Sister  has  persuaded 
you  to  remove  to  Annfield  at  Christmas.  I  will  not  pretend  to  offer  my 
advice,  since  I  am  certain  you  are  the  best  judge.  I  hope  you  will  not  fol- 
low the  example  of  sister  Nancy  in  your  letters  to  me ;  not  even  the  Spar- 
tans could  have  been  more  laconic  in  writing  than  she  was.  From  being 
so  tenacious  of  her  advice,  she  must  have  feared  that  it  would  have  been 
slighted  by  me.  I  have  no  means  of  proving  to  the  contrary  than  by 
assuring  her  that  nothing  would  delight  me  more  than  to  receive  advice 
from  her.  Want  of  time  and  of  paper  forces  me  to  bid  my  dear  beloved 
mamma  adieu.  W.  Meade. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  23 

His  college  course,  however,  did  not  pass  without  serious 
disturbance.  The  year  1807  is  memorable  at  Nassau  Hall, 
as  the  year  of  the  great  rebellion,  in  which  he  was  so  far 
implicated,  that  with  many  others  he  was  dismissed  from 
the  Institution.  His  own  account  of  the  unhappy  occur- 
rences is  recorded  in  his  brief  autobiography  : 

''At  the  end  of  four  or  five  months  an  unfortunate  difference  between 
the  Faculty  and  some  of  the  students  arose,  Avhich  produced  a  general  peti- 
tion from  the  latter  to  the  former.  Myself  and  many  others,  through 
want  of  experience,  were  imposed  on,  and  signed,  without  consideration,  an 
offensive  document,  which  led  to  the  suspension  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
out  of  two  hundred  students,  because  they  did  not  on  the  spot  withdraw 
their  names,  when  suddenly  and  in  a  very  unhappy  manner  required  to  do 
so.  Out  of  the  one  hundred  and  fifty,  only  fifty  returned.  I  was  one  of 
that  number.  My  mother,  whose  authority  was  well  established  over  her 
children,  had  only  to  express  her  desire  that  I  should  return  and  make  any 
acknowledgment  that  might  be  required.  It  was  done  without  a  mur- 
mur. How  often  have  I  blessed  God  for  giving  me  such  a  mother,  and  for 
this  act  of  maternal  authority  especially." 

After  his  re-admission  to  college,  he  addressed  to  his 
mother  the  letter  which  follows : 

Nassau  Hall,  May  21,  1807. 

It  gives  me  real  pleasure  to  tell  my  dear  mother  that  I  am  now  re-instated 
in  College,  according  to  her  desire  and  opinion  of  propriety ;  and  what 
renders  my  situation  more  agreeable  is,  that  in  obeying  the  wishes  of  my 
mother  and  submitting  to  her  superior  judgment,  I  have  in  no  manner 
acted  in  opposition  to  my  own  feelings  or  inclinations.  An  implicit  obe- 
dience to  your  will,  mamma,  I  hope  ever  to  consider  not  as  a  duty  only, 
but  a  pleasure.  How  pleasing,  then,  is  the  thought  that  in  this  act  your 
will  and  my  inclination  do  perfectly  coincide.  You  will,  perhaps,  be  sur- 
prised to  hear  of  this  alteration  in  my  sentiments  with  regard  to  entering 
college  —  it  is  one  which  will  contribute  much  to  my  future  welfare,  and 
perhaps,  will  not  derogate  from  my  honour  at  present.  Upon  mature  con- 
sideration, I  think  the  promise  we  made  of  supporting  the  committee,  a 
rash  step,  and  the  means  of  performing  it  not  in  our  power.  "We  have 
assisted  them  as  far  as  lay  in  our  power,  and  from  conversations  which  I 
have  held  with  several  of  them,  they  appear  to  think  that  if  consciousness 
of  error,  or  the  wish  of  parents  incline  any  to  enter,  they  would  act  with  great 
propriety  in  so  doing.  It  will  certainly  afford  them  greater  satisfaction  to 
see  young  men  obtaining  their  education  and  profiting  by  the  opportunities 
offered  here  than  absenting  themselves  on  account  of  that  promise.     Be- 


24  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

fore  I  came,  the  tumult  which  had  so  long  prevailed,  had  subsided  and  was 
succeeded  by  the  utmost  order.  Many  have  returned,  to  the  number  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty,  though,  I  must  confess,  the  finest  young  men  have 
refused  to  return.  Some  there  are  whose  minds  were  wavering  at  one  time, 
but  who  determined  to  persist  at  last  because  the  trustees,  not  content  with 
suspending  or  expelling  the  non-retractors  from  college,  wished  to  force 
the  societies  to  do  the  same  also,  threatening  to  dissolve  them  in  case  of  a 
refusal.  They,  however,  did  refuse  in  a  very  resolute  manner  — and  Col- 
lege, societies  and  all  were  at  the  point  of  dissolution  several  different 
times.  Prudence,  however,  at  last  got  the  better  of  passion  and  the  trustees 
receded.  William  Fitzhugh,  after  much  doubt  and  deliberation,  had  very 
prudently  entered  a  few  days  before  my  arrival.  His  Papa's  uneasiness, 
before  I  left  Alexandria,  was  so  extreme  that  I  believe  had  William  object- 
ed, it  might  have  been  attended  with  fatal  consequences.  You  have,  I 
suppose,  before  this  received  a  letter  from  William  Page,  dated  at  Bait  i- 
more,  assigning  reasons  for  his  determination.  I  must  confess  it  surprised 
nae  a  little.  I  will  not  pretend,  however,  to  censure  him,  as  I  am  liable  to 
err  so  often  myself,  and  as  it  was  left  for  his  judgment  to  determine,  an 
adherence  to  the  dictates  of  that  was  very  proper.  I  think  if  he  had  re- 
mained at  home  one  week  longer,  and  waited  till  all  those  students  who  came 
determined  to  persevere,  had  withdrawn  themselves,  his  opinion  would 
have  been  materially  altered.  Perhaps,  however,  it  will  be  all  for  the  bist, 
since  he  is  so  advantageously  fixed. 

All  disturbances  are  now  at  an  end,  and  I  hope  will  never  again  be 
revived.  Since  I  have  run  so  narrow  a  chance  of  not  completing  my  edu- 
cation here,  I  will  take  great  care  never  to  run  a  similar  risk,  and  the  only 
piece  of  advice  I  ever  intend  giving  to  a  young  man  on  entering  college 
will  be,  never  to  sign  a  petition  on  any  account. 

And  now  my  dear  mamma,  let  us  take  a  final  adieu  of  this  subject  which 
has  afforded  matter  of  conversation  throughout  the  whole  United  States, 
and  on  which  you  have  heard  so  many  debates,  pro  and  con .  I  will  follow 
your  advice,  and  avoid  all  conversation  relating  to  it,  with  the  students ; 
indeed  it  seems  to  require  little  exertion  so  to  do,  as  we  are  all  wearied 
with  it. 

To  change  the  subject  then,  I  hope  you  are  by  this  time  perfectly  restored 
to  health,  and  have  been  skipping  about  at  the  dancing  school  with  the 
girls.  Dancing  is  an  exercise,  the  moderate  use  of  which  I  think,  salutary 
both  to  young  and  old,  and  were  you  to  have  one  quarter  with  Mr.  Robar- 
dette,  I  should  expect  to  find  you  quite  renovated  on  my  return.  If  I  be 
not  mistaken,  you  intended  going  to  Lucky  Hit  the  week  succeeding  that 
of  my  departure.  I  hope  when  you  get  there,  that  your  health  will  permit 
you  to  attend  to  domestic  affairs,  since  a  little  exercise  is  so  beneficial  to 
you.  Brother  Kidder  is,  I  suppose,  as  usual,  busily  engaged  on  his  farm, 
and  in  constructing  the  barn.     It  will  give  me  much  pleasure  to  receive  a- 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  25 

fe^v  bulletins  similar  to  those  of  the  last  Winter,  from  headquarters,  and 
grateful  thanks  will  always  be  returned  for  them. 

.It  is  ti'iie  to  bid  my  dear  mamma  adieu.  God  grant  that  she  may 
enjoy  health  and  happiness,  is  the  constant  and  fervent  prayer  of  her  truly 
affectionate  son,  WILLIAM  MEADE. 

P.  S. — Mamma,  this  letter  is  not  written  as  correctly  as  it  should  be.  I 
depend  upon  the  good  news  compensating  for  all  its  errors." 

If  be  blessed  God  for  giving  bim  such  a  niotber,  well 
raiicht  she  bless  Grod  for  ffivino;  her  such  a  son. 

It  was  during  his  last  year  in  college  that  his  religious 
views  and  experience  assumed  a  decided  character.  In 
reference  to  this  very  important  and  interesting  subject, 
it  is  not  necessary  to  have  recourse  to  conjecture  or  infer- 
ence, or  the  testimony  of  others.  His  own  clear  statement 
commencing  with  his  earliest  impressions,  and  extending 
to  the  period  of  his  life  now  under  consideration,  furnish 
the  very  information  which  is  desirable. 

Alluding  to  his  mother's  "  faithfulness  in  the  religious 
education  of  her  children,"  and  to  the  fiivorite  topic,  the 
continual  presence  of  God,  a  consciousness  of  which  she 
wished  to  have  ever  in  our  minds  " — he  proceeds  :  "  I  felt 
the  effects  of  this  at  a  very  early  period.  Indeed  I  cannot 
go  back  so  far  as  to  recollect  a  time-  when  I  was  without 
some  sense  of  God's  presence,  and,  as  I  believe,  some  opera- 
tion of  the  Spirit  on  my  mind.  At  the  age  of,  I  should 
think,  about  eight  years,  I  recollect  that  my  mind  was  the 
subject  of  some  contending  thoughts.  I  was  conscious  of 
the  desire  to  do  right  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  would 
I'esolve  to  do  it,  and  at  the  same  time  I  was  beset  with 
some  most  wicked  thoughts,  even  to  curse  God.  I  can 
well  remember  how  I  would  sometimes  set  out  and  run 
with  the  utmost  violence,  trying  thus  to  get  away  from 
such  a  wicked  act  of  the  mind. 

At  the  age  often,  when  first  sent  to  school,  I  wrote  the 
day  before  leaving  home,  some  thoughts  as  to  my  duty, 
which    were  very  gratifying   to    my  parents.     Although 

9 


26  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

much  like  other  boys,  while  there,  in  my  general  conduct, 
yet  even  now  can  I  recollect  the  reasonings  of  my  mind 
in  favor  of  religion,  as  something  which,  even  if  proving 
untrue,  must  be  a  happy  delusion  to  the  believer  and  use- 
ful to  mankind.  Even  more  than  this  I  remember,  when 
fourteen  years  of  age,  being  most  deeply  distressed  for  one 
very  dear  to  me,  who  seemed  almost  hopelessly  given  up  to 
an  evil  habit,  and  being  led  as  a  last  resort  to  pray  most 
earnestly  for  him  to  God  as  the  Being  who  alone  could 
rescue.  One  night,  after  being  in  great  distress  weeping 
and  agonizing  in  prayer,  I  was  most  sensibly  relieved  by 
the  strong  impression  that  God  would  hear  my  prayer. 
I  have  ever  believed  that  even  my  poor  prayers  were  heard 
among  many  others,  far  more  fervent  and  effectual, 
Avhich  were  sent  up  from  righteous  hearts,  for  the  evil 
was  averted. 

I  remember,  also,  during  my  sixteenth  year,  I  would 
often  read  some  chapters  in  the  Spectator  and  Vicesimus 
Knox's  Essays  of  a  serious  character,  and'  being  much 
affected  by  them,  although  they  by  no  means  conveyed 
clear  and  strong  views  of  Christianity.  My  mind  was  in 
search  of  truth — my  heart  was  in  some  degree  longing 
for  God  as  my  portion.  It  was  an  age  of  darkness,  when 
even  the  best  Christians  did  not  enter  so  fully  into  the  glo- 
rious system  of  redemption  as  they  should  have  done.  It 
was  a  long  time  before  I  rejoiced  in  God  as  a  Saviour.  The 
law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  had  not  made  me 
free  from  the  law  of  sin  which  still  had  dominion  over 
me." 

"In  this  state  of  mind  —  my  father  being  dead  —  my 
mother  sent  me  to  college.  God  made  use  of  this  separa- 
tion from  my  friends  in  strengthening  my  religious  feel- 
ings. My  heart  was  tenderly  attached  to  them.  I  had 
n'fever  been  more  than  a  few  miles  from  them,  and  for  a 
few  days  at  a  time  before,  and  I  was  very  sad.  I  read  the 
few  books  I  took  with  me  with  deep  feeling  —  particularly 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  27 

'Young's  IS'iglit  Thoughts,'  a  great  fixvorite  of  my  mother 
and  elder  sister.  I  remember  that  my  religion  partook 
very  much  of  a  communing  with  the  spirit  of  my  deceased 
father,  and  of  my  absent  mother,  whom  I  was  ever  regard- 
ing as  being  present  with  me,  and  whose  approbation  I 
was  earnestly  seeking.  But  God  was  still  drawing  me  to 
himself.'^ 

After  a  brief  narrative  of  the  College  rebellion,  his  rela- 
tion to  it,  his  being  sent  home,  and  his  return  to  his 
mother's  direction,  he  proceeds  :  "  It  j^robably  gave  direc- 
tion to  all  my  subsequent  life.  I  was  destined  to  the  law, 
and  had  I  been  permitted  to  follow  the  example  of  many 
others  who  were  sent  home  at  the  same  time  —  that  is,  in 
proud  rebellion  refuse  to  return  —  I  should  at  once  have 
entered  on  the  study  of  a  secular  profession,  and  what 
might  have  been  the  eifect  of  the  same  on  my  moral  and 
religious  character,  God  knows.  As  it  was,  on  returning 
to  an  almost  desolate  College,  and  hambled  at  the  thought 
of  the  injury  our  own  folly  had  done  to  it,  my  religious 
feelings  were  greatly  strengthened,  and  this  was  so  ap- 
parent in  my  letters  homeward,  that  I  soon  received  a  let- 
ter from  my  elder  sister,  Mrs.  Page,  conveying  to  me  the 
suggestion  of  our  beloved  mother,  that  I  should  seriously 
consider  whether  the  ministry  was  not  the  path  of  duty. 
Although  such  a  thought  had  never  entered  my  mind,  and 
everything  in  the  state  of  our  Church  was  most  discourag- 
ing, yet  do  I  well  remember  that  I  felt  my  determination 
fixed  in  a  moment,  and  at  once  rejoiced  at  the  thought  of 
a  life  of  such  honor  and  usefulness." 

When  this  determination  was  communicated  to  his  family 
and  friends  in  Virginia,  it  gave  great  satisfaction.  The 
letters  which  he  received  from  home  abounded  in  expres- 
sions of  grateful  joy.  His  eldest  sister,  Mrs.  Ann  R.  Page,  to 
whom  he  was  largelj^  indebted  for  much  excellent  instruc- 
tion and  advice,  and  who,  at  ln*s  mother's  request,  had  pre- 
sented the  subject  of  the  Christian  ministry  for  his  serious 


28  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

consideration,  now  responded  for  that  delighted  mother 
and  herself: 

"My  brother,  your  sentiments  have  in  every  point  given 
the  most  complete  joy.  You  have  pictured  out  our  every 
wish,  and  your  Heavenly  Father  will  enable  you  to  ])er- 
form  them  —  will  carr}^  your  mind  from  strength  to 
strength.  I  have  the  supreme  satisfaction  of  expressing 
this  in  our  dear  mother's  name.  Brother  Kidder  will,  I 
expect,  certainly  write  to  you  how  congenial  your  letter 
was  to  his  heart.  The  overflowing  eye  evidenced  his 
feeling." 

There  was  another  relative  and  friend  whose  heart  was 
deeply  inlerested  in  this  determination — Mrs.  Mary  Custis, 
of  Arlington,  J).  C.  —  the  sister  of  his  friend,  William 
Fitzhugh.  She  was  a  Christian  lady  of  superior  intelli- 
gence, and  of  a  moSt  gentle  and  affectionate  spirit,  and  with 
evangelical  views  and  religious  experience,  in  advance  of 
her  day  and  associatictHS 

The  correspondence  of  these  devoted  cousins  commenced 
early  —  was  frequent  and  familiar,  sometimes  playful,  but 
generally  very  serious,  and  very  salutary  in  its  influence 
upon  the  3'oung  student.  Her  discernment  and  sensitive- 
ness in  connection  with  his  character  and  usefulness,  and 
the  judgment  and  fidelity  with  which  she  communicated 
with  him,  and  expressed  her  solicitude  in  reference  to  his 
professional  qualifications  and  efficiency,  appear  in  the  fol- 
lowing extract  from  a  letter  written  at  a  later  period,  but 
recurring  to  the  important  purpose  now  formed : 

April  20,  1819. 
Ultimately,  with  tears  and  anxious  desires  for  yourself,  your  ministry, 
and  your  mission,  my  soul  was  poured  out  in  prayer.  Unpossessed,  how- 
ever, with  ihat  assurance  of  faith  which  many  possess,  both  for  themselves 
and  others,  those  tranquil  emotions  which  succeed  the  unburdening  of  the 
heart  to  God,  gave  way  once  more  to  a  trembling  anxiety,  which  I  have 
ever  been  subjected  to  on  your  account.  I  looked  back  to  the  circum- 
stances connected  with  3'our  entrance  into  the  ministry  —  your  letters 
written  to  me  whilst  you  were  in  College  were  re-perused,  and  though 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  29 

fraught  with  many  of  those  amiable  feelings  which  resiilled  from  the  pious 
care  of  your  excellent  mother  —  the  very  possession  of  those  feelings  seemed 
to  beguile  you  into  self-righteousness.  You  know  who  has  said,  "God 
often  leads  his  servants  blindfold  into  the  sanctuary,'  and  thus  it  certainly 
was  with  you,  for  no  deep  feeling  of  unworthiness  seemed  to  appal  your 
entrance.  I  desire  to  thank  God  that  you  have  been  gradually  led  to  per- 
ceive the  depravity  of  an  unrenewed  heart.  In  your  enlarged  intercourse 
with  the  world,  I  sometimes  fear,  evils  may  be  elicited  which  you  dream 
not  of.  Should  it  be  so,  I  humbly  trust  you  will  be  preserved  from  such  a 
manifestation  of  them  as  shall  give  the  enemies  of  religion  cause  to  triumph. 
May  every  high  imagination  be  checked  in  its  first  rising  —  every  feeling 
inimical  to  a  "single  eye"  to  God's  glory,  be  bathed  in  the  tears  of  an 
early  repentence.  May  the  arms  of  our  divine  Saviour  uphold  j'ou  continu- 
ally—  the  Spirit  of  Grace  dwell  in  you  richly,  and  a  constan*;  dependence 
on  the  Father  and  Creator  of  all  things,  annihilate  self  in  your  bosom ! 
Such  would  be  my  daily  prayer  for  you,  if  I  could  daily  be  fervent  in 
prayer,  but  warm  words  from  cold  lips,  reach  not  the  throne  of  grace." 

If  the  PriDceton  letters  alluded  to  were  available,  they 
would,  no  doubt,  fully  sustain  the  statement  relative  to 
the  dimness  and  defectiveness  of  his  personal  piety  at  this 
period,  and  the  inadequacy  of  his  perception  of  the  nature 
and  responsibilities  of  the  oflSce  to  which  he,  sincerely,  yet 
in  much  remaining  darkness  aspired.  But  of  this  we  have 
decisive  proof  under  another  form.  After  recording  his 
prompt  determination  to  devote  himself  to  the  ministr^^, 
he  furnishes  a  frank  disclosure  of  the  state  of  his  own 
mind: 

"While  there  was  a  sincere  and  lively  desire  to  do  good 
to  my  fellow-beings  by  promoting  what  I  believed  to  be 
necessary  to  happiness  in  both  worlds,  there  was  still  a 
very  indistinct  and  imperfect  view  of  the  Christian  system 
and  the  gospel  ministry,  and  I  was  entering  the  latter 
blindfold  in  a  considerable  degree.  I  was,  however,  work- 
ing out  yiy  salvation  Avith  perfect  sincerity,  and  honestly 
preparing  to  teach  others  to  do  the  same." 

lie  proceeds  :  "  I  had  only  one  or  two  religious  associ- 
ates, and  but  few  helps  to  advancement  in  divine  life.  I 
took  pleasure,  however,  in  reading  a  few  pious  books  and 


30  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

was  engaged  in  a  warfare  with  my  body.  In  order  to  get 
away  from  the  temptation  of  eating  too  much  at  dinner,  I 
would  sometimes  take  a  good  book  and  stroll  so  far  from 
the  College,  that  at  the  sound  of  the  horn  for  dinner,  I 
could  not  reach  it  in  time.  Many  were  the  resolutions 
then  made,  and  many  the  resolutions  then  broken.  By 
this  process,  God  was  preparing  me  for  a  fuller  under- 
standing and  more  humble  reception  of  the  doctrines  of 
grace. 

"As  one  evidence  of  the  imperfect  views  I  had  of  reli- 
gion and  the  ministry,  and  of  the  low  state  of  piety  in  our 
Church,  let  me  state  that  in  passing  through  Baltimore, 
on  my  way  home,  I  went  to  the  theatre,  where  I  saw  an 
old  schoolmate  of  my  earlier  years,  who  having  been  liv- 
ing there  for  some  time,  had  learned  that  the  theatre  was 
no  place  for  me,  aild  expressed  his  surprise  at  finding  me 
there.*  I  never  remember  before  that,  to  have  heard  it 
condemned."  (Autobiograj^hy.) 

His  College  course  was  drawing  to  its  close.     The  fol- 
lowing letters  written  during  the  last  session  of  his  senior- 
year,  show  his  sentiments  and  action  in  the  transition  pe- 
riod, from  youth  to  manhood.  • 

Nassau  Hall,  June  13,  1808. 

*****!  feel  anxious  for  the  arrival  of  the  time 
when  I  shall  embrace  mj  beloved  mother  and  all  my  dear  relatives,  not  be- 
cause I  am  discontented  at  present,  but  because  it  is  the  nature  of  man  to 
long  for  coming  happiness.  I  expert  to  bring  with  me  my  young  friend 
from  Jersey,  who  is  the  warmest  friend  I  ever  had.  Some  of  his  qualities 
I  will  state  more  particularly  when  we  meet,  and  some  you  will  immedi- 
ately perceive  on  the  first  acquaintance.  If  he  should  come,  you  must  treat 
him  just  as  you  would  myself,  for  he  lives  in  a  neighborhood  much  like 
our  own  for  hospitality  and  rural  simplicity  of  manners.  I  wish  I  could 
bring  him,  heart  and  all,  and  give  him  to  some  of  our  fine  girls,  but  the 
poor  fellow  has,  I  fear,  parted  with  the  first  portion  of  himself,  s'o  that  they 
must  seek  husbands  for  themselves. 

I  am  now  devoting  all  of  my  spare  time  to  French,  to  enable  me  to  read 
those  eloquent  preachers  who  endeavored  to  disseminate  true  religion 
through  the  unhappy  land  of  France.     In  three  months  I  cannot  learn 


MEMOIR  OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  31 

much,  onlj  elementary  principles,  and  how  to  jabber  a  little  Francais.  I 
shall  learn  at  least  to  beg  for  mercy,  when  our  land  is  overrun  by  Bona- 
parte, which  is  a  circumstance  the  warm  Fed^s  are  very  apprehensive  of, 
though  I  can  never  agree  to  it.  Do  not  think  I  ever  meddle  with  politics 
because  a  word  slips  out  now  and  then,  that  way  inclined.  I  have  read 
nothing  but  Pickering's  letters  and  Gardner's  speeches.  The  former  I  re_ 
vere  as  a  firm,  honest  patriot ;  the  latter  I  admire  as  a  bold,  independent 
orator,  but  must  condemn  him  as  a  very  punctilious  man  of  modern  honor. 
All  good.men  I  will  openly  applaud  ;  proved  villians  I  may  condemn,  but 
of  doubtful  characters  I  will  be  silent.  The  characters  of  a  politician  and 
divine  are  not  easily  blended,  or  at  least  form  an  unnatural  and  unprofita- 
ble combination. 

Adieu,  my  fond  mother.  May  Heaven  guard  you  from  distress  either  of 
mind  or  body;  may  the  gratitude  of  your  children  cheer  you  through  the 
remainder  of  life  ;  may  you  live  to  see  them  flourishing  in  happiness  and 
virtue,  and  may  the  expectations  formed  of  your  son  be  verified." 

William  Meade. 

Nassau  Hall,  July  1st,  1808. 
My  Dear  Brother : 

It  is  now  five  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  I  am  just  returned  from  a  salu- 
tary bath  at  a  run  of  water,  a  mile  hence.  This  little  circumstance  is  related, 
to  prove  that  the  strengthening  of  my  body  is  not  overlooked  in  the  cultiva- 
tion of  my  mind.  In  your  affectionate  letter  of  the  22d  ult.,  you  reminded 
me  that  my  own  hands  were  to  supply  me  with  the  comforts  of  life,  and 
advised  a  careful  attention  to  my  health.  I  have  ever  expected  this,  and 
look  forward  with  pleasure  to  the  time  when  alternate  study  and  labor 
shall  keep  me  in  constant  employment.  As  to  any  carelessness  of  health, 
I  am  too  sensible  of  its  value,  to  sport  with  it  heedlessly.  Three  or  four 
hours  of  each  day  are  devoted  to  exercise.  The  hottest  sun  that  has  ever 
shone  on  the  classic  land  of  Princeton,  never  confined  me  within  the  Col- 
lege, at  the  appointed  time  for  exercise.  The  happy  consequences  of  this 
regularity,  are  an  uninterrupted  health,  and  a  greater  fondness  and  capacity 
for  study.  To  books,  I  never  give  less  than  ten  hours  per  day  ;  more  should 
be  given  were  my  eyes  sufficiently  strong  to  bear  more,  but  they  require 
indulgence,  and  I  cannot  read  at  night  without  pain. 

Sometimes,  when  I  reflect  on  our  poverty  and  on  the  necessi  ty  of  my 
speedy  liberation  of  you  from  further  expense,  I  wish  they  were  so  strong 
as  to  let  me  study  twelve  or  fourteen  hours  in  the  day.  I  would  lop  off 
one  year  at  least  from  my  professional  study.  But,  again,  I  look  on  their 
weakness  as  a  kind  dispensation  of  Heaven — as  one  of  those  which  we 
term  evils;  but  which  in  truth  are  only  manifestations  of  the  Divine  good- 
ness in  offering  us  stimulants  to  virtue.  Were  my  eyes  perfectly  strong, 
love  of  reading,  and  perhaps  ambition  would  keep  me  perpetually  at  books. 


32  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

my  health  would  have  perhaps  been  alreadj^  sacrificed,  and  little  time  would 
have  been  spent  in  devotion,  in  meditation,  and  reflection.  I  might  now  be 
picturing  to  my  worldly  mind  the  beauties  of  fame,  of  office,  of  popular 
eloquence,  and  all  the  gewgaws  which  offer  charms  to  the  vain  heart  of 
man.  I  might  have  been  engaged  in  such  contemplation,  quite  estranged 
from  my  God,  and  certainly  not  half  so  happy  as  at  present,  while  looking 
forward  through  the  humble,  obscure,  though,  I  hope,  useful  and  respectable 
life  I  am  about  to  lead.  Never,  unless  necessity  (arising  from  the  weakness 
of  my  sight  which  made  me  lay  aside  my  book  very  frequently)  had  led  me 
to  retire  in  my  own  mind,  would  I  have  made  any  virtuous  resolutions, 
which  only  paved  the  way  for  my  ready  entrance  into  mamma's  choice  of 
a  profession. 

Thus  have  I  reason  to  bless  my  God  for  this  apparent  evil.     It  has  forced 
me  to  be  temperate,  and  to  refrain  entirely  from  liquors.     The  clear  water 
of  the  brook  will  quench  my  thirst  better  than  the  richest  wines  —  the  sim- 
plest nutriment  will  appease  my  hunger  better  than  the  choicest  dishes  of 
the  epicure. 

Having  satisfied  you  with  regard  to  my  health  both  of  body  and  mind,  I 
will  reply  to  your  question  concerning  the  studies  of  this  session.  They 
consist  of  Chemistry,  Astronomy,  Logic,  Political  Philosophy  and  Theol- 
ogy. Our  class  has  in  some  manner  gotten  a  little  behind  hand,  and  we 
are  now  forced  to  make  it  up  by  assiduous  study.  In  answer  to  your  re- 
quest that  I  would  not  be  unmindful  of  College  distinctions,  I  must  say  that 
it  has  come  rather  late,  for  two  months  will  terminate  our  course.  There 
are  forty-four  in  our  class,  and  about  twenty-five  or  thirty  distinctions  are 
usually  distributed.  I  will  only  promise  that  your  brother's  name  shall  not 
be  found  amcng  the  last  on  the  list.  Whether  it  will  lie  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  top,  remains  a  secret  locked  up  in  the  minds  of  our  Professors. 
As  soon  as  the  determination  is  made,  you  shall  be  informed  ;  but  let  me 
ask  jou  not  to  raise  your  expectations  high,  as  the  fall  may  be  grievous. 

Your  cautions  on  the  score  of  economy  shall  be  observed.  I  will  not 
spend  one  farthing  unavoidably,  but  many  must  be  spent  necessarily.  Cer- 
tainly I  can  never  spend  more  than  half  as  much  hereafter,  wherever  I  shall 
live.  At  this  place,  the  expense  will  be  inconsiderable.  Whatever  shall  be 
the  result  of  your  joint  deliberations  in  respect  to  the  place  of  my  residence 
during  the  next  year,  shall  meet  with  my  cheerful  compliance.  Cousin 
Molly  Custis  is  very  anxious  for  me  to  live  with  Mr.  Addison,  and  wishes 
me  to  grant  her  permission  to  ask  his  consent,  supposing  that  it  would  meet 
with  mamma's  approbation.  Perhaps  it  would  be  more  agreeable  to  yoii 
all,  if  I  should  live  with  Mr.  Belmaine,  or  return  here  immediately.  We 
can  agree  on  this  point  in  the  fall,  and  therefore  I  will  dismiss  it  from  con- 
sideration till  then. 

It  gave  me  not  a  little  uneasiness  to  hear  that  my  expenses  here  are  equal 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  33 

to  the  value  of  the  crop  at  the  present  price,  but  let  us  all  derive  good  from 
evil,  by  economy,  industry,  and  every  domestic  virtue.  I  really  am  of  the 
opinion  that  the  embargo  will  be  serviceable  to  our  neighborhood,  for  it 
must  lessen  that  pride,  which,  we  have  ever  thought,  threatened  destruc- 
tion to  its  prosperity.  If  this  affliction  should  not  suffice,  you,  my  dear 
br.others,  and  myself,  mutually  strengthening  each  other,  will,  in  spite  of 
the  odium  fixed  on  singularity,  dare  to  set  example  of  true  agricultural 
simplicity,  so  necessary  for  the  permanency  of  that  happy  union,  which 
now  connects  so  many  virtuous,  yet  extravagant  families  in  Frederick.  I 
am  happy  to  hear  that  mamma  is  making  Virginia  cloth,  and  with  the 
greatest  pleasure  will  receive  the  present%he  is  preparing  of  a  coat.  If  my 
sisters  are  knitting  any  stockings  for  me,  ask  them  to  make  them  larger 
than  the  rest.  I  strongly  suspect  the  little  jades  are  about  to  surprise  me 
with  their  industry,  to  present  me  with  some  valuable  marks  of  their  love. 

I  cannot  go  on  writing  in  this  hurried,  careless  manner  any  longer,  with- 
out apologizing.  You  know  it  is  necessary  for  a  preacher  to  write  a  plain, 
large,  and  easy  hand.  I  cannot  do  this,  and  therefore  intend,  as  soon  as  I 
return  home,  to  alter  mine  entirely.  Being,  at  present,  much  in  want  of 
time,  I  do  not  think  it  criminal  to  write  as  fast  as  possible,  since  my  friends 
will  not  ascribe  it  to  a  carelessness  of  affection.  You  do  me  wrong,  in  sup- 
posing that  I  ever  harbored  narrow  opinions  of  your  fraternal  liberality.  I 
always  thought  that  our  general  happiness  was  uppermost  in  your  heart, 
and  looked  up  to  you  in  that  respect  as  a  just  father.  I  trust  that  my 
whole  conduct,  through  life,  will  prove  the  truth  of  this  assertion.  Although 
I  have  often  united  with  mamma  and  sister,  in  censuring  some  of  your  re- 
solutions, yet  be  assured,  I  have  admired,  in  secret,  those  steady  principles 
of  honor,  justice,  and  piety,  taken  from  the  example  of  our  dear  departed 
father,  and  which  directed  all  your  actions,  in  contradiction  to  the  trivial 
ridicule  manifested  by  others,  who  make  custom  their  guide,  without  ever 
retiring  into  their  own  minds  to  consult  its  propriety.  When  we  have  set- 
tled together,  we  shall  be  able  to  defy  the  assaults  of  ridicule,  whether  they 
be  directed  against  supposed  penuriousness,  against  a  weak  humanity  for 
servants,  or  any  other  principles  which  mark  our  actions.  We  will  culti- 
vate friendship  with  our  virtuous  neighbors,  but  let  the  strictest  friendship 
subsist  between  ourselves.  Let  it  be  the  aim  of  our  lives  to  set  exitniples 
of  piety,  contentment,  love,  charity,  and  every  Christian  virtue.  That  I 
should  be  exemplary  is  indispensably  necessary.  A  minister  of  religion  is 
a  light,  set  on  an  high  hill,  to  light  others  to  glory.  This  light  must  not 
be  dim  or  deceitful  to  travellers.  That  I  may  be  able  to  make  my  light 
shine  clear  to  the  sight  of  men,  is  the  constant  prayer  of  my  heart  to  Al- 
mighty God. 

Against  the  temptations  of  the  world,  I  will  fortify  my  mind  by  princi- 
ples of  religion.     That  I  shall  ever  fail  in  any  great  affair,  I  am  not  much 
9* 


34  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

much  fearful ;  in  the  small  concerns  which  are  also  weighed  in  the  balance 
of  God,  I  fear  I  shall  often  be  found  wanting.  I  know  this  much,  that  I 
place  my  confidence  in  God  I  am  anxious  for  the  promotion  of  His  glory, 
by  the  diffusion  of  His  religion  through  the  hearts  of  men.  I  would  rather 
be  a  worthy  minister  of  the  huinble  and  lowly  Jesus,  than  the  first  magis- 
trate of  our  country,  decked  with  all  the  glories  of  his  office. 

I  never  will  disgrace  the  profession,  by  undertaking  it,  unless  qualified  by 
learning,  zeal,  and  uprightness.  As  for  the  gaudy  flowers  of  oratory,  they 
never  shall  disfigure  the  pulpit  where  I  stand.  If  important  truths,  whole- 
some warnings,  and  advice  delivered  in  the  simple  style  of  nature,  which  is 
warm  and  impressive,  have  no  power  over  the  hearts  of  my  hearers,  they 
must  seek  for  some  others  to  please  their  fcmcy. 

Give  my  love  to  all  the  neighbors.  I  hope  they  are  well  and  happy. 
Tell  mamma  I  long  to  see  her  long  winning  letter,  which  must  be  very  long 
to  compensate  for  my  long  unfulfilled  expectation.  The  embargo  has  cer- 
tainly stopped  sister's  pen,  and  Susan's  and  David's,  and  in  fine  all  of  you 
have  felt  its  influence.     My  love  to  them  all.     I  remain 

Your  most  affectionate  brother, 

W.  Meads. 

In  the  Colleire  of  ]N"ew  Jersey,  it  was  cnstomaiy  for  the 
Faculty  to  signifiy  their  estimate  of  the  comparative 
schohirship  of  the  prominent  members  of  each  graduating 
class,  hy  the  award  of  "honors,"  or  complimentarj^  recog- 
nitions, which  w^ere  announced  to  the  audience  at  Com- 
mencement, and  given  to  the  press  for  publication.  The 
prizes  thus  proposed  were  most  potent  appeals  to  youthful 
emulation.  The  competition  for  the  highest  honors  was 
always  very  spirited,  and  the  ardor  of  the  candidates  was 
often  intensified  by  the  rivalry  of  the  two  literary  socie- 
ties of  the  College — each  eager  for  the  success  of  its  own 
members,  and  constantly  stimulating  them  to  efforts  to 
secure  its  triumph. 

As  the  preceding  letter  discloses,  there  was  at  the  rural 
home  beyond  the  Blue  Ridge  and  in  the  hearts  of  the  un- 
ostentatious inmates  there,  an  assurance  that  William  could 
excel,  and  a  true  desire  that  his  superiority  should  be  ap- 
parent.    The   elder  brother  communicated  to  him  these 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  35 

aspirations  of  the  domestic  circle,-and  in  the  name  of  their 
honored  and  beloved  mother,  expresses  the  hope  that  he 
would  not  he  indifferent  to  College  distinctions.  This,  of 
itself,  would  be  sufficient  to  rouse  his  energies,  if  they  had 
been  slumbering,  in  the  j^ending  race  for  Academic  honor. 
He  received  the  communication  without  disturbance  —  al- 
luded in  reply  to  certain  duties  and  discouragements,  and 
cautions  against  any  higli  expectations,  lest  the  disappoint- 
ment should  be  the  harder  to  bear  —  but  he  had,  and  could 
not  but  be  conscious  of,  those  endowments  which  guaran- 
tee success.  In  a  few  months  the  contest  was  decided. 
Out  of  a  large  class,  he  and  two  others  were  proclaimed 
to  be  of  equal  merit,  and  entitled  to  the  ''  First  Honor." 

The  policy  of  such  distinctions  has  been  seriously  ques- 
tioned. He  has  recorded  his  own  testimony,  founded  on 
experience  : 

"  I  was  doubtless  somewhat  hindered  in  my  religious 
progress,  by  the  fact  that  I  was  one  of  the  candidates  in  a 
class  of  forty,  for  the  highest  honor,  which  was  divided 
between  myself  and  two  others."  (Autobiography.) 

The  Cliosophic  Society  of  which  he  was  a  member,  ex- 
iilted  in  his  success,  and  addressed  to  him  a  letter  of  cordial 
thanks  and  congratulations. 

Cliosophic  Hall,  September  5,  1808. 
Sir  and  Brother: 

The  members  of  the  Cliosophic  Society,  feeling  grateful  for  the  honor 
conferred  upon  the  Institution  by  your  exertions,  have  unanimously  voted 
you  their  thanks,  and  determined  to  present  you  with  a  diploma  as  a  testi- 
mony of  their  brotherly  affection.  It  is  also  expected  that  you  will,  as  soon 
as  convenient,  act  in  conformity  to  that  law  of  the  Society  which  specifies 
the  highest  reward  and  the  greatest  insignia  of  honor,  Cliosophians  can 
oestow  upon  conspicuous  merit.  I  shall  not  attempt  to  describe  the  pleas- 
ant and  joyous  sensations,  which  our  late  triumph  excited,  and  which  have 
already  been  so  fully  expressed  by  ydur  brothers. 

We  hope  that  you  have  too  much  strength  of  mind  to  regard  the  invid- 
ious, unfounded  assertions  of  malicious  rivals,  whose  disappointment  at 
the  decision  of  the  Faculty,  has  been  expressed  in  scurrilous  observations 
upon  the  most  worthy  members  of  that  honorable  body,  and  in  ungentle- 


36  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

manly  detractions  from  your  merit.  Your  honor  becomes  apparent  in  pro- 
portion to  tlieir  abuse.  Trusting  that  your  subsequent  conduct  will  be 
such  as  to  gratify  the  expectations  of  all,  and  that  rigid  virtue  will  be  the 
coinpanion  of  your  future  life.     I  remain 

Your  aifectionate  brother  Cliosophian, 

James  Moor'b  Wayne. 
(In  behalf  of  the  Cliosophic  Society.) 
Mr.  Wm.  Meade. 

Of  the  orations  usually  appointed  for  Commencement 
day,  the  Valedictory,  which  carries  with  it  a  recognition 
both  of  superior  scholarship  and  excellence  as  a  speaker, 
was  assigned  to  him,  and  formed  a  graceful  close  to  his 
Collegate  course. 

The  following  letter,  addressed  to  his  mother  from  Dr. 
Smith,  President  of  the  College,  preceded  hie  return  home 
by  a  few  days : 

Madam : 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  j^our  son  has  just  tlnished  his 
course  of  College  studies  with  great  credit  to  himself.  His  talents,  his  ap- 
plication, his  principles,  and  morals  are  such  as  may  justly  afford  a  virtu- 
ous and  affectionate  parent  the  siucerest,  purest  consolation.  It  will  not 
be  long  I  trust,  till  you  embrace  a  son  worthy  of  you. 

With  the  greatest  respect  and  the  best  wishes  for  your  happiness, 

I  am,  Madam, 

Your  obedient  humble  servant, 

Samuel  Smith. 

At  this  period,  the  Church  had  no  Theological  Seminary. 
Divinity  students  either  returned  to  College,  as  resident 
graduates,  to  avail  themselves  of  the  advantage  of  exten- 
sive libraries  and  general  literary  association,  or  else  placed 
themselves  under  the  guidance  of  some  minister  eminent 
for  his  abilit}'^,  to  receive  such  instructions  as  he  might 
have  leisure  to  impart,  and  to  learn  from  his  example. 

During  William  Meade's  last  session  at  Princeton,  the 

arrangement  for  pursuing  his  professional  studies  v/as  often 

the  subject  of  correspondence  between  his  family  and  him- 

,  self     In  a  letter  to  his  mother,  written  June,  1807,  this 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  37 

passage  is  found:  "  Cousin  M.  Custis  takes  a  warm  inter- 
est in  my  welfare  and  writes  me  very  affectionate  letters. 
She  is  anxious  that  I  should  spend  the  next  year  with  Mr. 
Addison,  and  from  many  considerations,  I  enter  warmly 
into  the  plan.  A  good  and  constant  example,  mamma,  is 
of  more  real  utility  to  a  young  man,  than  any  collection 
of  precepts.  I  am  averse  to  returning  here  immediately, 
because  I  should  find  only  young  men  like  myself  The 
first  entrance  of  ecclesiastical  study  is  the  most  important, 
since  then,  the  opinions  of  the  many  subjects  which  have 
unfortunately  divided  Christians,  are  formed.  I  wish  to 
form  them  from  mature  reflection,  aided  by  the  advice  of 
a  virtuous  and  well-informed  minister.  Such  a  man  is  Mr. 
Addison  supposed  to  be.  Cousin  Mary  promises  to  ask 
him  whether  he  will  receive  a  young  student  of  divinity 
into  his  house,  and  guide  him  by  his  counsel.  If  it  meets 
with  the  approbation  of  my  mother,  I  would  prefer  it  to 
any  other  plan.  Yet  be  assured,  I  will  follow  implicitly 
your  advice,  however  different  it  may  prove  from  my 
opinions  or  wishes." 

The  conclusion  was  in  favor  of  an  application  to  the 
Eev.  Walter  Addison  to  receive  him  as  a  student,  and  the 
negotiation  which  was  conducted  by  Mrs.  Custis  resulted 
successfully. 

After  his  graduation,  Mr.  Meade  returned  to  Virginia, 
and  remained  there  for  a  short  time,  enjoying  the  society 
of  his  honored  mother  and  other  beloved  relations  and 
friends.  This  interval  of  study  was  rendered  memorable 
by  his  engagement  to  Mary  Nelson,  daughter  of  Philip 
and  Sarah  Nelson  —  an  event  which  gave  great  pleasure 
to  both  families. 

When  a  "month  or  two  "  had  been  passed  "at  home" 
amidst  the  most  pleasing  associations,  affording  a  salutary 
recreation  both  to  mind  and  body,  well  deserved  by  his 
academic  diligence  and  success,  he  again  left  his  native 
valley  and  repaired  to  the  residence  of  the  Eev.  Mr.  Addi- 


38  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

son,  to   live   in   his  family,  and  study  divinity  under  his 
direction. 

Mr.  Addison  was  remarkable  for  extreme  mildness  and 
simplicity,  combined  with  extraordinary  decision,  where 
principle  and  duty  were  concerned.  In  the  ordinary  in- 
tercourse of  life  so  gentle  and  compliant,  that  one  might 
imagine  a  child  could  lead  him,  and- yet,  when  occasion  de- 
manded, not  only  immoveably  firm,  but  heroically  aggres- 
sive. His  admiring  pupil  states :  "In  him  I  became  ac- 
quainted with  one  of  the  best  men,  and  saw  one  of  the 
purest  specimens  of  the  ministerial  character.  He  was 
flxithful  and  bold  in  reproving  vice  from  the  pulpit  and 
elsewhere,  thou<>:h  one  of  the  meekest  of  men.  He  was  of 
English  parentage  and  born  to  large  landed  possessions  on 
the  Maryland  side  of  the  Potomac,  opposite  Alexandria." 
This  fine  estate,  extending  several  miles  along  the  east 
bank  of  the  river,  was  graduall}^  wasted  away  by  misman- 
agement, and  at  last,  its  once  wealthy  proprietor  w\as  re- 
duced to  penury.  To  penury  was  added  the  great  afflic- 
tion of  increasing  dimness  of  sight,  terminating  in  blind- 
ness. Both  of  these  evils,  he  bore  with  most  exemplary 
resignation,  and  both  were,  as  far  as  possible,  alleviated  by 
every  attention  and  comfort  which  affection  could  bestow. 
"He  lived  to  a  good  old  age,"  as  his  pupil  further  states, 
"loving  all  men,  and  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him  —  to 
the  last  the  happiest  and  most  grateful  of  all  the  happy 
and  grateful  ones,  I  have  ever  seen  or  known.  In  my 
visits  to  the  District  afterwards,  I  ever  felt  it  to  be  my 
sacred  duty,  and  it  was  my  high  happiness,  to  enter  his 
humble  dwelling.  But  this  was  never  done  without  bursts 
of  feeling  and  of  tears  on  both  sides.  Such  was  the  man 
of  Grod  with  whom  it  w^as  ni}^  privilege  to  spend  some  hap- 
py, and  I  trust  not  unprofitable  months  —  the  period  of 
my  stay  being  abridged  by  a  weakness  in  the  eyes,  which 
altogether  prevented  study." 

"  Parson  Addison,"  as  he  was  then  commonly  called,  was 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  39 

more  noted  for  the  attractive  excellence  of  his  personal 
character,  than  distinguished  for  theological  learning.  The 
great  advantage  which  his  student  enjoyed,  was  aifordcd, 
not  so  much  by  oral  instruction,  as  by  the  meekness,  hu- 
mility and  holiness  of  his  Christian  life. 

Mr.  Meade's  indistinct  and  imperfect  view  of  the  Chris- 
tian system,  at  the  time  of  his  determination  to  devote 
himse'f  to  the  ministry,  has  been  represented  in  his  own 
language.  Happily  he  has  also  left  us  his  own  account  of 
the  time,  place  and  instrumentality  connected  with  the 
entrance  of  clearer  light,  and  the  experience  of  its  decided 
power.  "  It  was  while  reading  under  his  (Rev.  Mr.  Addi- 
son's) direction,  that  the  first'  clear  and  satisfactory  and 
delightfcil  view  of  the  necessity  and  reasonableness  of  a 
propitiation  for  sin  by  our  blessed  Lord,  was  presented  to 
my  mind.  I  shall  never  forget  the  time,  or  the  instru- 
ment, or  the  happy  effect,  and  how  I  rose  up  again  and 
again  from  my  bed,  to  give  thanks  to  God  for  it.  The 
book  which  was  instrumental  to  it  was  '  Soame  Jennings 
on  the  Internal  Evidences  of  Christianity.'  Mr.  Wilber- 
force's  work  (Practical  View)  about  the  same  time  was 
put  into  my  hands  and  gave  the  cast  and  coloring  to  my 
religious  views." 

The  w^eakness  of  his  eyes  —  an  infirmity  from  which  he 
often  suffered  during  his  whole  life  —  now  rendered  it  ne- 
cessary that  he  should  intermit  his  studies.  A  few  months 
at  home  and  his  e^^es  were  sufficiently  im])roved  to  permit 
him  to  resume  his  regular  professional  reading.  He  was 
evidently  very  partial  to  Princeton.  Though  there  was 
no  Divinity  School  there,  yet  a  few  young  men  Avho  were 
preparing  for  the  ministry  resorted  to  the  place  as  afford- 
ing superior  advantages  to  theological  students.  To  avail 
himself  of  those  advantages  Mr.  Meade  returned  to  Prince- 
ton, in  the  summer  of  1809,  but  his  expectations  were  soon 
and  sadly  disappointed.  A  few  days  after  his  arrival,  he 
was  seized  with  a  violent  fever,  which  brought  him  to  the 


4:0  MEMOIR    QF    BIBHOP    MEADE. 

verge  of  the  grave.  During  this  severe  ilhiess  and  tedious 
recovery,  his  thoughts  very  naturally  turned  with  more 
than  usualtenderness,  to  his  famil}^  and  friends  at  his  distant 
home,  and  yet  he  was  by  no  means  insensible  to  the  sym- 
pathy and  friendly  services  which  he  received  from  the 
people  of  the  place.  In  his  reply  to  a  letter  from  One  of 
his  sisters,  he  writes :  "  How  rejoiced  am  I  to  hear  that 
you  are  happy  and  well,  neighbors,  visitors,  and  all.  The 
sincere  and  fervent  ejaculation  of  my  heart  is,  that  you 
may  long  continue  so.  ISTever  I  believe  was  there  more 
happiness  condensed  into  any  one  society,  equal  in  dimen- 
sions with  that  of  which  we  are  members.  At  least,  no 
band  of  relatives  and  friends  ever  possessed  better  or  more 
abundant  material  for  true  Christian  felicity,  than  the 
members  of  our  neighborhood.  The  more  I  see  of  the  vain 
world,  the  more  a^ttached  do  I  become  to  the  society  in 
which  I  was  born,  nurtured  and  educated.  Little  do  you 
know  you  young  generation,  whose  eyes  have  never  peep- 
ed over  the  mountains,  that  you  inhabit  the  Paradise  of 
our  State,  and,  my  great  attachment  adds,  of  all  the  States, 
for  I  verily  believe  the  valley  of  Frederick  contains  more 
real  friendship,  piety,  and  happiness  than  any  other  spot 
in  the  land.  My  partiality  for  a  native  spot,  however, 
does  not  encroach  on  my  judgment  and  blind  it  to  the 
merit  of  others.  On  the  contrary,  m}^  friendship  and  good 
oj^inion  of  the  State  and  place  in  which  I  now  am,  have 
been  greatly  augmented  since  my  last  visit.  My  indispo- 
sition, which  drew  some  of  the  kindest  souls  to  see  me, 
and  led  to  a  most  extensive  acquaintance  in  the  State, 
showing  me,  that  hosj^itality  and  Jersey  were  by  no  means 
unharmonious  names,  has  made  this  addition  to  my  es- 
teem. "Were  I  not  bound  by  the  ties  of  religion  and  friend- 
ship to  my  own  State,  and  were  the  valley  covered  with 
the  lake,  which  Mr.  Jefferson  imagined,  overspi*ead  where 
you  reside,  I  should  prefer  this  to  any  other  State  I  have 
yet  visited.     But  Virginia  shall  ever  be  the  scene  of  my 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  41 

labors.     Ob  tbat  1  could  see  bcr  already  wbat  my  hopes 
and  fancy  portray  !" 

Tbe  following  letter,  without  date,  appears  to  have 
been  written  to  bis  sister,  Mrs.  Page,  before  his  departure 
from  Princeton : 

My  Dearest  Sister : 

For  three  years  have  I  now  been  a  stranger  to  my  home,  and  for  three 
years  have  held  communion,  ah !  sweet  communion  with  the  best  of 
sisters. 

By  the  guidance  of  Providence,  a  letter  from  herself,  and  my  dearest 
mother,  first  directed  my  heart  to  the  noblest  of  sciences,  and  the  best  of 
professions. 

To  epistolary  communion  with  my  Christian  friends,  how  much  delight 
and  profit  do  I  owe.  It  is  now  drawing  to  a  close.  I  come  among  you 
perhaps  never  to  part  more,  unless  my  Master,  Father,  and  Redeemer  shall 
order.     To  Bis  will,  may  I  ever  be  willingly  obedient. 

I  come  among  you,  my  dear  friends,  with  sentiments  of  the  tenderest 
love,  and  the  most  ardent  wishes  to  make  the  glory  of  our  blessed  Redeemer 
shine  brightly  throughout  the  hearts  of  all. 

My  beloved  sister,  you  whose  heart  beams  with  so  much  ecstacy  and  com- 
fort on  the  cause  I  am  abouUto  undertake,  and  whOse  prayers  so  often  as- 
cend to  Heaven  in  behalf  of  your  brother,  rejoice  alway,  that  his  heart  is 
every  day  more  and  more  set  on  his  glorious  mission^  Each  day  some  new 
and  precious  light,  coming  down  from  the  Father  of  lights,  seems  to  dawn 
upon  his  soul,  teaching  him  the  blessedness  of  religion.  Prayer,  and  every 
religious  exercise  are  no  longer  duties,  but  the  most  glorious  privileges 
given  to  poor  condemned  mortals,  by  which  they  may  regain  that  purity 
of  nature,  and  perfection  of  bliss,  for  which  the  Almighty  first  intended  us, 
but  which  our  first  parents  lost  by  their  disobedience,  and  the  restoration 
of  which,  is  the  merciful  end  of  the  Christian  mediation. 

There  is  surely  no  happiness  on  earth  but  to  serve  the  Lord.  To  serve 
with  a  willing,  zealous,  and  glad  heart  is  felicity  little  lower  than  that  of 
the  angels  above.  They  enjoy  His  presence,  and  so  does  the  Christian, 
only  removed  at  a  greater  distance.  Oh  !  my  dear  sister,  what  a  choice 
have  we  made.  How  glorious  are  our  prospects.  Happy  here,  and  di- 
vinely, transcendantly  happy  for  ever  hereafter  !  Should  we  ever  forget  to 
pray  most  fervently  for  our  dear  mother,  that  good  instrument  in  the  hands 
of  Almighty  God  for  converting  souls  to  His  kingdom?  How  can  we  ever 
love  her  enough,  for  that  watchful  Christian  care  with  which  she  reared  our 
tender  souls  to  piety  and  virtue. 

May  it  be  our  sedulous  endeavor  hereafter,  to  smooth  the  path  of  her  de- 


42  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

dining  life  —  to  comfort  her  anxious  heart  by  showing  in  our  lives,  and  by 
every  filial  office,  that  her  labors  have  been  blest.  Let  the  tenderness  of 
our  love  soften  the  least  anguish  that  may  disturb  her  bosom,  and,  as  her 
life  and  labors  have  been  devoted  to  our  good,  so  may  ours  be  now  em- 
ployed in  making  the  best  of  mothers,  the  happiest  of  mothers  also. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

William  Meade. 

Though  restored  to  health,  it  was  thought  better  for 
him  not  to  resume  immediately  his  regular  course  of  study. 
Accordingly  he  left  Princeton,  indulged  himself  in  a  short 
visit  to  Parson  Addison,  and  hastened  to  his  earthly  Para- 
dise in  the  happy  valley.  In  a  few  months,  when  he  had 
just  entered  upon  his  twentieth  year,  he  consummated  his 
engagement  with  Miss  Nelson.  From  a  congratulatory 
letter  addressed  to  him  on  the  occasion  by  Mrs.  Custis, 
and  dated  "Arlington,  Jan.  30,  1810,"  it  appears  that  the 
marriage  occurred  the  next  day : 

"  I  learn  with  joy,  my  dear  William,  that  you  will  to- 
morrow be  the  happy  husband  of  Mary  JSTelson.  May 
every  blessing  attend  you  both! — congenial  minds  —  souls 
attuned  to  heavenly  pleasures  —  friends  apj^roving — these 
are  delightful  auspices.  How  few  such  unions  seem  to 
bless  mankind.  How  often  is  a  life  of  suffering  the  pen- 
alty of  a  connection  formed  on  the  ignominious  principle 
of  aggrandizement.  Monday  night  Kidder's  arrival  sur- 
prised us.  He  only  staid  to  see  you  a  Benedict,  and  brought 
to  us  the  welcome  news,  and  your  letter  and  your  Mary's. 
As  you  are  o?ie  now,  she  will  not  think  I  have  slighted 
her,  if  I  do  not  address  her  on  a  separate  paper." 

If  William  Meade  did  not  serve  seven  years  in  advance 
for  his  Mary,  their  marriage  certainly  subjected  him  to 
quite  that  term  of  service,  very  laborious  in  its  nature,  and 
very  diligently  and  perseveringly  performed — though  no 
doubt  he  could  have  testified,  as  did  the  Patriarch,  that  "it 
seemed  to  him  but  a  few  days  for  the  love  he  had  to  her," 
and  which  he,  at  a  later  period,  so  affectingly  recorded  in 
his  "Recollections,"  "printed  for  private  circulation." 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  43 

His  circumstances  at  this  time  and  his  independent, 
manly  course,  are  best  learned  from  his  own  frank  rela- 
tion :  "  This  step,  (marriage)  compelled  me  at  once,  and 
for  many  years,  to  labor  with  my  own  hands  for  a  support. 
My  mother  gave  me  a  small  farm,  out  of  order,  much  in- 
jured by  the  tenant,  and  without  a  house  on  it.  My  wife 
had  nothino".  I  beo-an  at  once  to  build  a  small  house. 
Myself  and  one  or  two  hands  burnt  the  lime-kiln,  which 
was  used  in  building.  I  was  in  attendance,  almost  without 
intermission,  night  and  day,  from  Monday  morning  to 
Saturday  night.  I  assisted  to  tend  the  workmen  who 
built  the  house.  On  the  farm  I  helped  to  plough  the  first 
field  that  was  cultivated,  and,  as  I  did  for  many  years, 
scattered  the  seed  with  my  own  hands.  I  did  all  this  be- 
cause I  was  resolved  never  to  incur  debt  —  a  rule  to  which 
I  have  strictly  adhered  ever  since,  and  which,  in  the  good 
Providence  of  Grod,  has  been  the  means  of  greatly  increas- 
ing my  property  and  enabling  me  to  divide  a  sufficient  por- 
tion to  my  sons.  Had  I,  at  an  early  period,  been  too  proud 
or  too  indolent  to  work,  or  had  I  not  been  a  rigid  econo- 
mist, and  even  subjected  myself  to  ridicule  for  what  seem- 
ed a  needless  singularity  to  some,  I  should  have  been  forced 
to  sell,  at  a  very  low  price,  my  portion  of  my  father's  mil- 
itary land,  which  has  since  so  increased  in  value,  as  to  en- 
able me  to  give  to  each  of  my  sons,  as  much  to  begin  life 
with,  as  I  desire  they  should  have." 

Such  proceeding,  however,  was  not  compatible  with 
much  study,  or  favorable  to  those  intellectual  habits  which 
are  so  important  to  professional  proficiency.  "  The  stej)," 
to  one  in  his  circumstances,  may  have  created  the  neces- 
sity of  which  he  speaks;  but,  was  it  necessary  that  a  step 
so  seriously  interfering  with  his  preparatory  course  of 
reading,  should  then  be  taken  ?  Ought  not  a  youth  in  his 
twentieth  year,  and  who  had  scarcely  commenced  his  theo- 
logical training,  to  have  resolutely  avoided  any,  and  every 
entanglement  with  the  affairs  of  this  life,  which  would  re- 


44  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

tard  and  impair  his  education  for  the  sacred  service  to 
which  he  was  dedicated? 

At  a  later  period  of  his  life,  no  one  could  give  to  this 
question  a  more  prompt  and  decided  affirmation  than  he 
did.  Consciousness  of  the  disadvantage  under  which,  not- 
withstanding his  fine  intellect  and  subsequent  application, 
he  labored,  in  consequence  of  not  having  had  early  and 
thorough  systematic  drill  in  the  elementary  branches  of 
theological  learning,  gave  peculiar  emphasis  in  his  testi- 
mony. And  the  sad  effect  of  premature  engagement  and 
marriage  in  other  cases,  where  there  was  not  the  redeem- 
ing power  which  his  talents  and  temperament  afforded, 
made  him  avail  himself  of  every  proper  occasion  to  caution 
students  against  a  hasty  "step"  which  might  cripple  them 
during  their  whole  professional  course. 

The  following  Mnts  on  this  subject  are  extracted  from 
the  18th  Lecture  of  the  "Pastoral  Office:" 

''  Ist.  Be  not  in  too  great  haste  to  marry,  or  make  en- 
gagements. Take  time  for  consideration  and  consultation. 
Let  judgment  and  conscience,  and  religious  principle,  and 
prayer  have  their  full  share  in  deciding  j^our  choice.  Do 
not  trust  to  the  first  appearance  and  exhibitions  of  charac- 
ter. You  will  not  understand  me  as  condemning  all  refer- 
ence to  the  feeling  of  love,  or  as  denying  that  there  is  a 
sympathy  and  congeniality  of  character  most  important 
to  conjugal  happiness,  and  which  must  be  consulted.  I 
only  warn  you  against  drawing  your  standard  from  novels, 
poets  and  sentimental  writers,  as  weak  young  men  and 
women  do,  to  the  ruin  of  their  peace  and  comfort  through 
life. 

Do  not  rush  into  matrimony  on  your  first  entrance  upon 
the  ministerial  life.  Wait  until  you  can- form  a  proper  es- 
timate of  your  own  abilities,  and  ascertain  what  station 
you  will  be  able  to  get  and  retain.  Some,  by  neglecting 
this,  have  chosen  companions  who  were  inferior  to  those 
with  whom  they  were  afterwards  to  associate,  and  have 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  45 

become  ashamed  of  them ;  while  others  have  succeeded  in 
securina-  those  who  were  doomed  to  the  mortification  of 
seeing  their  husbands  sink  instead  of  rise  —  of  being  oblig- 
ed to  sink  with  them,  to  the  great  unhappiness  of  both, 
and  to  the  disappointment  of  friends.  • 

Wait,  therefore,  until  you  have  found  your  proper  level, 
and  then  choose  one  to  suit  yourself,  and  those  with  whom 
you  are  both  to  associate." 

Candidates  for  orders  would,  with  very  rare  exceptions, 
be  seriously  injured  in  their  devotional  character,  if  not 
entirely  alienated  from  the  proper  spirit  of  the  ministry 
by  the  manner  of  life  led  by  Mr.  Meade  at  this  time. 

His  personal  piety  was,  from  its  first  formation,  remark- 
ably direct  and  practical.  He  had  a  happy  facility  in  as- 
sociating his  religion  which  he  loved,  with  his  secular  pur- 
suits in  which  he  was  diligent ;  blending  them  so  naturally 
and  continuously  in  his  daily  walk  as  to  exemplify  the 
Apostolic  precept,  "Whatsoever  ye  do  in  word  and  deed,  do 
all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  giving  thanks  to  God 
and  the  Father  by  Him."  His  laboring  with  his  own 
hands  was  performed,  not  to  accumulate  wealth,  to  gratify 
"the  lusts  of  the  flesh  and  the  lust  of  the  eyes,  and 
the  pride  of  life";  but  for  conscience  sake,  to  maintain 
his  household  in  godly  simplicity,  and  himself,  pending 
his  preparation  for  the  ministry,  and  afterwards  in  the 
discharge  of  its  duties  foj*  many  years,  without  pecuniary 
fee  or  reward.  Manual  labor  so  conducted,  he  regarded  as 
much  a  part  of  his  moral  obligation,  as  his  daily  devotion. 
It  did  not  hinder  but  help  his  growth  in  grace,  and  enable 
him  to  walk  with  God  as  truly  in  the  operations  of  the 
farm,  as  in  the  services  of  the  sanctuary.  This  period  of 
much  bodily  exercise,  but  of  moderate  mental  activity 
witnessed  no  loss  of  interest  in  reference  to  the  sacred 
office  to  which  he  had  devoted  himself,  though  there  could 
have  been  little  progress  in  those  studies  which  are  pre- 
scribed as  suitable  preparation  for  its  responsible  services. 


46  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

Of  all  this,  he  was  fnlly  aware — "the  weakness  of  my 
eyes  —  my  sickness  at  Princeton — my  early  marriage  and 
the  necessity  of  resorting  to  much  manual  labor,,  of  course, 
all  prevented  even  a  moderate  share  of  theological  prepara- 
tion for  holy  orders.  Yery  little  indeed  in  those  days  was 
required/' 

"  The  Course  of  Ecclesiastical  Studies  established  by  the 
House  of  Bishops  in  the  Convention  of  1804,  in  pursuance 
of  a  resolution  of  the  preceding  General  Convention,"  to- 
gether with  the  then  existing  canons  relative  to  "the 
learning  of  those  to  be  ordained,"  and  the  several  "exam- 
inations "  they  were  required  to  'pass,  relieved  the  Church 
from  the  censure  implied  by  the  preceding  remark  and  de- 
volves it  where,  when  called  for,  it  properly  belongs  — 
upon  the  persons  whose  duty  it  is  "to  take  heed  that  those 
whom  they  present,  be  apt  and  meet  for  their  learning  and 
godly  conversation  to  exercise  their  ministry  duly  to  the 
honor  of  God  and  the  edifying  of  His  phurch"  The  qual- 
ification for  admission  to  Holy  Orders,  so  far  as  literary 
and  theological  attainments  are  concerned,  was  higher 
then,  than  now.  The  culpable  remissness  of  those  entrust- 
ed witii  the  examination  of  candidates,  still  too  often  neu- 
tralizes the  canonical  provision,  and  would,  not  unfre- 
quently  justify  the  report,  that  "very  little  preparation 
indeed,  in  these  days,  is  required."  A  serious  evil,  not  to 
be  remedied  by  mere  legislation,  but  by  greater  fidelity  on 
the  part  of  the  examiners,  on  whom  must  still  rest  the 
great  responsibility  of  keeping  the  learning  of  the  minis- 
try uj)  to  the  standard  which  the  Church  has  wisely  es- 
tablished. 

As  the  period  of  Mr.  Meade's  ordination  approached,  he 
was  much  disturbed  in  reference  to  certain  ecclesiastical 
regulations  which, -as  a  minister  of  the  Church,  he  would 
be  bound  to  observe,  but  which,  as  some  represented  them, 
he  was  neither  prepared  to  approve  or  practice.  As  an 
honest  man,  he  freely  communicated  his  difficulties  to  the 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  47 

Bishop  of  the  Diocese.  The  following  statement  of  his 
scruples  and  the  letter  of  Bishop  Madison  on  the  subject, 
together  with  the  account  of  the  examination  and  ordina- 
tion, are  transferred  from  the  pages  of  "Old  Churches  in 
Virginia  "  to  this  volume,  as  here  specially  pertinent: 

"But  before  speaking  of  some  circumstances  attendant 
on  my  ordination,  it  maybe  well  to  allude  to  a  correspon- 
dence between  Bishop  Madison  and  myself  some  months 
before  that  event.  It  is  the  more  proper  to  do  so,  as  it 
will  serve  to  correct  some  misunderstandings  which  have 
gone  abroad  with  respect  to  us  both,  and  which  have  had 
a  bearing  on  the  Virginia  Churchmanship  of  that  day. 
Passing  through  Philadelphia  a  year  or  more  before  my 
ordination,  and  staying  at  the  house  of  an  Episcopal  clergy- 
man, I  heard  some  severe  strictures  on  one  or  more  of  the 
ministers  of  our  Church  in  some  other  diocese,  or  dioceses, 
for  violating  the  rubric  of  the  Prayer  Book  by  abridging 
the  service.  It  was  designated  by  no  slighter  term  than 
perjury  in  the  violation  of  solemn  ordination  vows.  I 
learned  afterwards  that  such  charges  were  made  elsewhere. 
In  examining  the  canons  of  the  Church,  I  also  found  one 
which  seemed  positively  to  forbid,  under  any  circumstances, 
the  admission  into  an  Episcopal  pulpit  of  any  minister,  not 
Episcojoally  ordained.  I  was  aware  that  it  was  impossible 
to  use  the  whole  of  the  service  in  very  many  of  the  places 
where  I  might  be  called  to  officiate,  and  well  knew  that 
ministers  of  other  denominations  preached  in  many  of  our 
old  Episcopal  Churches,  and  indeed  that  it  was  questioned 
Tf  hether  under  the  law,  our  ministers  had  the  exclusive 
right  to  them.  I  also  saw  that  there  was  a  canon  forbid- 
ding servile  labor  to  the  clergy,  while  from  necessity — for 
the  support  of  a  young  family — I  Was  then  taking  part  in 
the  labors  of  the  field,  which  in  Virginia  was  emphatically 
servile  labor.  Wishing  to  enter  the  ministry  with  a  good 
conscience,  and  correct  understanding  of  my  ordination 
vows,  I  wrote  a  letter  of  inquiry  to  Bishop  Madison  on 


48  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

these  several  points.  To  this  I  received  a  very  sensible 
reply,  nearly  all  of  which,  I  think,  the  Hoase  of  Bishops, 
and  the  Church  generally,  would  now  endorse,  though 
there  would. have  been  some  demurring  informer  times. 

BISHOP  MADISON'S  LETTER. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  received  your  letter  by  Mr.  Bracken  and  approve  of  your  conscientious 
inquiries  respecting  certain  obligations  imposed  by  the  canons.  You  know 
that  every  society  must  have  general  rules  as  the  guides  of  conduct  for  its 
members,  but  I  believe  the  Episco[)al  Churcli  is  as  lenient  as  any  other  re- 
ligious society  whatever.  The  subscription  required  by  the  candidate  is, 
that  he  will  conform  to  the  discipline  and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  United  States,  At  the  time  of  ordination  he  promises 
to  conform  to  the  canons.  With  respect  to  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
an  adherence  is  required,  wherever  the  situation  of  the  Church  will  per- 
mit; it  happens,  however,  too  often,  that  the  minister  must  be  left  to  his 
own  discretion,  particularly  on  occasions  when  it  mav  be  necessary  to 
abridge  the  service,  or  where  there  may  be  no  clerk,  &c.  No  oath  is  ad- 
ministered or  required,  and  that  adherence  to  the  Book  cmly  is  expected, 
which  may  tend  to  further  religion  and  good  order  in  a  religious  society  ; 
for  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  superiority  of  forms  of  prayer  for  public 
worship.  Before  sermon,  many  ministers,  1  believe,  prefer  a  prayer  of  their 
own,  and  if  it  be  well  conceived,  i  suppose  no  objection  would  be  made. 
His  private  prayer  may  certainly  be  determined  by  himself  With  respect 
to  th-e  use  of  our  Churches  by  other  societies,  the  general  rule  is  often  dis- 
pensed with,  especially  if  the  party  wishing  the  use  will  assist  in  the  pre- 
servation of  the  building,  or  the  preacher  be  of  known  respectable  charac- 
ter. Too  often  indeed  our  Churches  are  now  used  entirely  by  other  sects. 
The  canon  could  never  intend  that  a  minister  should  be  entirely  prevented 
from  following  any  occupation  which  was  creditable.  Hence  the  practice 
of  physic,  &c.,  is  not  deemed  inconsistent  with  the  ministerial  profession, 
nor  I  conceive  any  oikcr  business  which  is  free  from  a  kind  of  public 
odium.  It  would  be  unfit  for  a  minister  to  keep  a  tavern  or  grog  shop,  &(^, 
but  certainly  not  to  follow  any  occupation,  where  good  may  result  both  to 
the  community  and  to  the  individual.  The  honest  discharge  of  clerical 
duties,  with  a  life  preaching  by  example,  are,  in  reality,  the  principal  re- 
quisites ;  when  these  are  manifested,  and  the  piety  and  good  behaviour  of 
the  minister  cannot  be  questioned,  he  need  not  apprehend  the  rigor  of 
canons,  or  any  other  spiritual  authority.     I  am,  Sir, 

Yours  very  respectfully, 

J.  Madison. 

October  10,  1810. 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  49 

"  Eemarks  :  —  Some  years  after  mj^  entrance  on  the  min- 
istry, I  Avas  conversing  on  the  subject  of  dispensing  with 
the  regular  service  in  preaching  to  the  servants  in  their 
quarters,  with  one  of  our  most  eminent  ministers,  when 
he  maintained,  I  doubt  not,  most  conscientiously,  that  I 
had  no  right  to  open  my  lips  in  preaching  to  them,  with- 
out first  using  the  service  according  to  the  rubric.  A 
very  great  change  has  recently  come  over  the  minds  of 
some  of  our  clergy  on  this  subject — judging  from  some 
things  seen  in  our  religious  papers,  in  which  more  latitu- 
dinarian  views  are  taken  than  I  ever  remember  to  have 
heard  of  formerly." 

In  reference  to  the  rigid  and  uncompromising  construc- 
tion of  extravagant  rubricians,  the  venerable  Bishop  Gris- 
wold  was  wont  to  say  in  his  sententious  way,  "  The  ser- 
vice of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  is  a  reasonable 
service."  The  members  of  the  Council  which  adopted  the 
canons  of  the  Church  in  the  Confederate  States  were  of 
the  same  mind.  Regarding  the  rubrics  as  sufficiently  di- 
rective and  obligatory  as  to  the  use  of  the  Book  of  Com- 
mon Prayer,  the  canon  on  this  subject  was  omitted  in  the 
new  code,  and  a  prolific  cause  of  dispute  was  thus  judi- 
ciously retired. 

The  friendly  author  of  a  brief  biographical  sketch  pub- 
lished in  a  Philadelphia  paper,  alluding  to  Mr.  Meade's 
conscientious  scruples  occasioned  by  the  canon  forbidding 
servile  labor,  represents  it  as  a  canon  of  Virginia,  and  then, 
with  the  morbid  aptness  to  regard  all  that  is  supposed  to 
be  wrong  at  the  South,  as  heading  in  slaver}^,  ascribes 
the  prohibition  to  the  prejudice  which  slavery  produces 
against  all  such  occupation.  The  amiable  author  is  scarcely 
excusable  for  a  statement  so  totally  erroneous.  S^e  ought 
to  have  been  better  informed.  The  canon  was  adopted  by 
the  General  Convention  in  conformity  with  the  LXXY 
Canon  of  the  Church  of  England  entitled,  "  Sober  conver- 
sation required  in  ministers,"  which  ordains  that  "  ecclesi- 
3 


50  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

astical "  persons,  "  shall  not  give  themselves  to  any  base 
or  servile  labor."  The  spirit  of  the  prohibition  is  found  in 
those  canons  of  the  early  Church,  which  forbid  all  secular 
service  on  the  part  of  the  clerg}^,  "Let  not  a  Bishop,  Pres- 
byter, or  Deacon,  undertake  worldly  business ;  otherwise 
let  him  be  deposed."  (Apost.  Canon,  YI.)  The  Diocese  of 
Virginia  has  never  legislated  on  the  subject. 

As  to  the  Canon  concerning  the  officiating  in  Episcopal 
congregations,  by  persons  not  Episcopally  ordained,  the 
declaratory  resolution  passed  by  the  General  Convention 
recognizes,  all  that  charity  for  others  should  ask,  and  as 
much  as  a  due  care  for  the  sound  teaching  of  Episcopal 
congregations  allows. 

In  reference  to  the  particulars  enumerated,  the  letter 
of  Bishop  Madison  satisfied  Mr.  Meade  that  he  might  with 
a  good  conscience,  promise  canonical  obedience,  and  he 
now  made  his  arrangements  for  early  ordination. 

Williamsburg,  where  the  Bishop  resided,  was  about  two 
hundred  miles  from  Erederick  County.  Mr.  Meade  per- 
formed the  journey  on  horseback,  and,  with  the  requisite 
testimonials,  presented  himself  to  the  Bishop  for  ordina- 
tion.. Once  before,  when  quite  a  youth,  the  hands  of  the 
Bishop  had  been  laid  upon  his  head.  His  account  of  the 
service  is  brief  and  unsatisfactory:  "My  confirmation  took 
place  at  a  very  early  period,  during  the  first  and  only  visit 
of  Bishop  Madison  to  this  part  of  Virginia.  I  have  but  an 
indistinct  recollection  of  his*  having  heard  some  of  us 
the  Catechism  at  Church,  and  as  I  suppose,  lajang  his  hands 
on  us  in  Confirmation  afterwards,  perceiving  that  we  said 
our  Catechism  well.  But  as  to  both  of  them,  especially 
the  latter,  I  have  relied  more  on  the  testimony  of  other 
persons,  than  on  my  own  certain  remembrance."  (O.  C, 
p.  22.) 

Now,  by  this  second  imposition  of  hands  with  prayer, 
he  was,  on  Sunday,  Feb.  24th,  1811,  solemnly  authorized 
to  "execute  the  office  of  Deacon  in  the  Church  of  God." 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  51 

His  examination  took  place  at  the  Bishop's,  before  break- 
fast;  he  and  Dr.  Bracken  conducting  it.  "Asvrc  went 
down  to  the  Church,"  he  relates,  "  companies  of  students 
with  guns  on  their  shoulders,  and  dogs  at  their  sides,  met 
us  on  their  way  to  the  country,  attracted  by  the  frosty 
morning  which  was  favorable  to  the  chase ;  and  at  the 
same  time  one  of  the  citizens  was  filling  his  ice-house.  On 
arriving  at  the  Church,  we  found  it  in  a  wretched  condi- 
tion, with  broken  windows,  and  a  gloomy  comfortless  as- 
pect. The  congregation  which  assembled,  consisted  of  two 
ladies  and  about  fifteen  gentlemen,  nearly  all  of  whom 
were  relatives  and  acquaintances.  The  morning  service 
being  over,  the  ordination  and  communion  were  adminis- 
tered, and  then  I  was  put  into  the  pulpit  to  preach — there 
being  no  ordination  sermon."  (O.  C.  p.  29.) 

A  venerable  Christian  lady,  extensively  known,  and 
much  loved  in  the  Churchy  in  Virginia,  and  now  in  he^ 
eighty-first  year,  has  kindly  furnished  a  few  "personal 
recollections  of  the  early  life  of  Mr.  Meade"  : 

"  The  first  time  I  ever  saw  William  Meade,  (as  we 
used  to  call  him,)  was  in  the  ^^ear  1811,  when  he  came  down 
to  receive  Deacons'  orders  from  Bishop  Madison.  I  was 
then  living  in  York  with  my  sainted  mother,  the  grand- 
mother of  his  two  wives. 

Before  he  came,  the  reputation  of  his  having  devoted 
himself,  soul  and  body  and  spirit,  to  the  service  of  God, 
had  gone  before  him,  and  we  looked  forward  to  his  visit 
with  mingled  feelings  of  respect  and  curiosity ;  for  such 
things  were  rare  in  those  days.  I  was  then  a  seeker  of 
righteousness.  Oh!  so  anxious  for  my  soul's  salvation, 
thinking  I  should  get  good  to  my  poor  soul  from  being 
with  him.  His  dress  was  a  plain  suit  of  home-spun.  At 
that  time  he  was  a  husband  and  a  father,  and  spolce  of  his 
Mar}"  in  a  way  to  gratify  her  numerous  relatives.  He 
only  spent  one  night  with  us.  In  those  days,  though 
there   were  pious  people   in   the   house,  we  did  not  have 


52  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

family  prayers.  It  was  very  cold  weather ;  the  whole 
face  of  the  earth  being  covered  with  snow.  I  did  not  see 
him  again,  but  we  heard  of  his  saying,  when  he  went  into 
the  old  Church  at  Williamsburg,  and  saw  the  few  assem- 
bled there,  that  '  he  wondered  if  it  was  emblematical  of 
his  ministry  ?'  " 

Before,  and  at  several  periods  subsequent  to  his  ordina- 
tion, a  rumor  was  circulated  which  he  thought  that,  jus- 
tice to  another  as  well  as  to  himself,  required  him  to  con- 
tradict, and  later  in  life  to  commit  his  statement  to  writing. 
A  copy  of  the  manuscript  found  among  his  papers  is  here 
inserted :  • 

Prospect  Hill,  near  Millwood,  "I 
Clarke  Co.,  Dec.  15,  '51.      j 

Having  been  asked  twice,  within  the  last  year  or  two,  whether  it  is  a  fact 
that  I  was  anxious  to  ,enter  the  ministry  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  but 
■was  dissuaded  from  it  by  Dr.  Hill,  of  Winchester,  and  having  an  accurate 
recollection  of  the  circumstances  which  attended  a  report  of  such  design  on 
my  part  many  years  since,  while  a  candidate  for  orders,  I  think  it  well  to 
commit  the  same  to  paper. 

Shortly  after  my  return  from  College,  Dr.  Hill  visited  me  at  my  mother's 
house,  and  expressed  great  pleasure  at  hearing  of  my  design  to  enter  the 
ministry^  and  particularly  the  ministry  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  as  he  be- 
lieved I  could  do  more  good  in  that  than  in  any  other.  I  became  quite 
intimate  with  him  and  fond  of  him,  and  was  often  at  his  house  in  Winches- 
ter. During  all  the  time  of  my  candidateship  he  ever  held  the  same  lan- 
guage of  pleasure  at  my  purpose  of  entering  the  ministry  of  the  Episcopal 
Church.  During  the  summer  before  I  was  ordained,  I  was  one  day  sur- 
prised by  a  visit  at  my  mother's  from  Mr.  Balmaine,  the  Episcopal  minister 
at  Winchester.  While  sitting  in  my  mother's  chamber,  Mr.  B.  suddenly, 
in  his  peculiar  manner,  and  to  the  surprise  of  all,  said  to  me,  "  You  must 
not  let  Mr.  Hill  persuade  you  to  join  the  Presbyterian  Church."  lex- 
pressed  my  astonishment  at  what  he  said,  and  that  such  an  idea  had  ever 
entered  into  any  one's  mind,  for  T  never  had  had  a  thought  of  such  a  thing. 
Mr.  B.  said  that  there  was  such  a  report  in  Winchester,  and  he  had  come 
down  to  see  about  it.  He  returned,  much  relieved  by  my  assurance  that 
there  was  not  the  least  foundation  for  it.  Shortly  after  this,  on  going  to 
Winchester,  I  saw  Mr.  Hill  and  mentioned  what  had  occurred,  when  he 
told  me  that  he  had  been  exceedingly  annoyed  by  the  report,  which  he 
eaid  contained  something  else,  viz  :  That  he  had  employed  the  Rev.  Mr. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  53 

Shannon,  a  Presbyterian   minister  who   occasionally  preached   near  my 

mother's,  as  his  agent  in  the  work  of  proselyting  me.     I  often  mentioned 

these  things  at  that  time  and  for  years  afterwards,  when  the  report  was 

mentioned,  not  only  to  correct  the  impression  of  my  wish  to  relinquish  the 

design  of  entering   the  Episcopal  ministry,  and  adopt  another,  but  to  do 

justice  to  Mr.  Hill." 

William  Meade. 

Mr.  Meade  conjectured  that  this  oft-repeated  and  an- 
noying report  might  have  originated  in  a  misapprehension 
of  the  nature  and  design  of  the  correspondence  known  to 
have  passed  between  Bishop  Madison  and  himself.  Less 
thaji  this,  however,  would  have  afforded  occasion  for  the 
story  and  given  it  plausibility,  in  the  then  deeply  depress- 
ed condition  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  His  own  testimony 
on  this  subject,  though  exceedingly  painful,  is  so  impor- 
tant in  its  relation  to  his  ministerial  life  and  labors,  that 
its  omission  here  would  be  inexcusable. 

"  Infidelity  was  then  (at  the  Jjme  of  his  ordination)  rife 
in  the  State,  and  the  College  of  William  and  Mary  was  re- 
garded as  the  hot-bed  of  French  politics  and  religion.  I 
can  truly  say  that  then,  and  for  some  years  after,  in  every 
educated  young  man  of  Virginia  whom  I  met,  I  expected 
to  find  a  skeptic,  if  not  an  avowed  unbeliever.  I  left  Wil- 
liamsburg, as  may  well  be  imagined,  with  sad  feelings  of 
discouragement.  My  next  Sabbath  was  spent  in  Eich- 
mond,  where  the  condition  of  things  was  little  better.  Al- 
though there  was  a  Church  in  the  older  part  of  the  town, 
it  was  never  used,  but  on  communion  days.  The  place  of 
worship  was  an  apartment  in  the  Capitol,  which  held  a 
few  hundred  persons  at  most,  and  as  the  Presbyterians 
had  no  Church  at  all  in  Eichmond  at  that  time,  the  use  of 
the  room  was  divided  between  them  and  the  Episcopali- 
ans, each  having  service  every  other  Sabbath  morning, 
and  no  oftener.  Even  two  years  after  this,  being  in  Eich- 
mond on  a  communion  Sunday,  I  assisted  the  Eector,  the 
Eev.  Dr.  Buchanan,  in  the  old  Church,  when  only  .two 
gentlemen  and  a  few  ladies  communed.     One  of  the  gen- 


54  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

tlemen  was  a  resident  in  the  upper  country.  One  of  the 
old  clergy  who  was  present,  did  approach  the  chancel  with 
a  view  of  partaking,  but  his  habits  were  so  bad  and  so 
notorious  that  he  was  motioned  by  the  Eector  not  to 
come.  Indeed  it  was  believed  that  he  was  not  in  a  sober 
state  at  the  time." 

"  So  low  and  hopeless  was  the  state  of  the  Church  at 
this  time,  but  a  few  of  the  clergy  even  attempting  to  carry 
on  the  work,  and  only  one  person  having  for  a  long  time 
been  ordained  by  Bishop  Madison,  and  he  from  a  distance 
—  and  a  most  unworthy  one  —  it  created  surprise,^nd 
was  a  matter  of  much  conversation  when  it  was  under- 
stood that  a  yOung  Virginian  had  entered  the  ministry  of 
the  Episcopal  Church.  Even  some  years  after  this,  when 
I  applied  to  Judge  Marshall  for  a  subscription  to  our  The- 
ological Seminary,  though  he  gave  with  his  accustomed 
liberality,  he  could  not  re^'ain  from  saying  that  it  was  a 
hopeless  undertaking,  and  that  it  was  almost  unkind  to 
induce  young  Virginians  to  enter  the  Episcopal  ministry, 
the  Church  being  too  far  gone  to  be  revived.  Such  was 
the  general  impression  among  friends  and  foes." 

His  account  of  his  reception  as  a  minister  is  of  great 
interest.*  "I  had,  however,  through  the  State,  many  most 
respectable  and  influential  relatives.  Some  still  rich, 
other  of  fallen  fortunes,  both  on  my  father's  and  mother's 
side,  who  were  still  attached  to  the  Church.  These  things 
caused  my  ordination  to  excite  a  greater  interest,  and 
created  a  partiality  in  favor  of  my  ministry.  But  still, 
there  were  many  who  thought  it  so  strange  a  proceeding, 
that  they  were  ready  to  accept,  as  a  probable  mode  of  ac- 
counting for  it,  an  opinion  expressed  by  one  or  more,  and 
soon  put  in  circulation,  that  there  was  something  unsound 


*"With  his  characteristic  modesty,  he  prefaces  this  reference  to  hisfamilj 
and  self  with  the  apologetic  remark  that  it  is  done  "at  the  risk  of  being 
charged  with  even  more  of  egotism  than  has  already  been  displayed",  the 
statement  "being  necessary  to  the  right  understanding  of  the  whole  sub- 
ject I  have  taken  in  hand." 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  55 

in  mind,  or  eccentric  in  character,  at  any  rate,  a  want  of 
good  cammon  sense,  or  I  would  not  make  such  a  mistake 
as  to  attach  myself  to  the  fallen  and  desperate  fortunes  of 
the  old  Church.  Some  strange  speeches  of  this  kind  were 
made.  Nor  were  they  or  their  effects  confined  to  Vir- 
ginia or  to  that  time.  I  am  not  sure  that  their  influence 
has  ceased  to  the  present  day.  One  good,  however,  re- 
sulted from  them,  viz  :  that  certain  views  of  religion,  and 
certain  modes  of  life  adopted  by  me,  and  supposed  to  be 
contrary  to  what  were  supposed  to  be  the  doctrines  of  the 
Episcopal  Church — certainly  contrary  to  the  sentiments 
and  practice  of  the  people  —  were  ascribed  to  this  natural 
defect,  and  were  kindly  dealt  with,  instead  of  awakening 
hostility,  which  under  other  circumstances  might  have 
been  excited.  Certain  it  is,  that  my  ministry,  from  the 
first,  was  received  with  a  favor,  which  neither  my  im- 
perfect theological  education,  nor  my  most  unfinished 
sermons,  nor  anything  else  about  me,  were  entitled  to." 
(O.  C,  pp.  30,  31.) 

Those  who  listened  to  his  discourses  would  say  that  to 
represent  his  ministry  simply  as  ''  being  received  with  fa- 
vor," would  convey  a  very  inadequate  idea  of  its  accepta- 
bleness.  Wherever  he  preached,  a  crowd  gathered  to  ad- 
mire, if  nothing  more,  his  manner  of  reading  prayers  and 
the  eloquence  of  his  sermons  —  not  the  eloquence  formed 
by  the  arts  of  oratory — but  flowing  from  a  heart  pervaded 
by  intense  interest  in  his  message  and  for  his  hearers,  and 
which  the  peasant  and  the  philosopher  could  alike  appre- 
ciate and  enjoy.  And  when  he  wrote  that  there  was 
nothing  in  his  "  unfinished  sermons,"  or  "  about  himself," 
to  entitle  his  ministry  or  himself  to  be  "received  with  fa- 
vor," he  no  doubt  expressed  his  own  honest  convictions, 
and  yet  as  certainly  afiirmed,  what  all  who  heard  him  in 
the  pulpit,  or  knew  him  personally,  would  positively  deny. 
As  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  he  was  highly  gifted.  His 
youthful  appearance  at  the  first  —  the   manly  presence 


56  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

into  which  this  matured — his  sound  and  vigorous  and 
well-balanced  intellect — his  naturally  brave  and  feeling 
heart  were  very  important  contributions  for  efficiency  in 
his  sacred  office.  And  when  to- these  are  added  a  voice 
singularly  sonorous  and  sweet,  and  a  manner  very  earnest 
and  persuasive,  it  is  unnecessary  to  say  that  he  was  capa- 
ble of  the  highest  order  of  eloquence. 

But  the  elements  in  the  preaching  of  Mr.  Meade,  to 
which  its  peculiar  interest  and  impressiveness  are  to  be 
ascribed,  wsis  the  evangelical  truth  which  it  presented, 
with  great  clearness  and  emphasis.  The  Church  sermons 
of  that  day  were,  with  few  exceptions,  meagre  and  impo- 
tent discourses  on  ethics,  with  some-  infusion  of  natural 
theology,  and  rare  and  remote  references  to  distinctive 
Christian  doctrine.  Alluding  to  this,  Mr.  Meade  states  : 
"  In  the  Church  in  Yirginia,  with  the  exception  of  Mr. 
Jarrett  and  perhaps  a  few  others,  I  fear  the  preaching 
had,  for  a  long  time,  been  almost  entirely  of  the  moral 
kind."  "  Blair's  sermons,  on  account  of  their  elegant  style, 
and  great  moderation  in  all  things  were  most  popular." 
"The  sickly  sensibility  of  Sterne's  sermons  (and  especially 
of  his  Sentimental  Journey)  was  the  favorite  style,  and 
standard  of  too  many  of  our  clergy.  After  entering  the 
ministry,  I  heard  several  of  such  most  faulty  exhibitions 
of  Christian  morality.  It  is  no  wonder  that  the  Churches 
were  deserted,  and  the  meeting-houses  filled.  But  the 
time  had  come,  both  in  the  English  and  American  Church, 
for  a  blessed  change.  (O.  C,  Yol.  I,  p  25.)  In  Yirginia, 
the  works  of  Bishop  Porteus,  Wilberforce  and  Hannah 
More,  were  largely  instrumental  in  the  happy  result. 
They  were  republished  in  this  country,  and  introduced 
more  evangelical  views  into  some  of  the  most  influential 
families  in  Yirginia.  A  desire  for  the  pure  word  of  life 
began  to  spread  among  the  laity,  and  when  this  desire  was 
not  regarded  by  their  own  clergy,  other  teachers  were 
resorted  to,  and  their  own  neglected.     Under  these  cir- 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 


57 


cumstances,  when  a  beardless  youth,  in  his  home-spun 
dress  and  with  his  boy-like  collar  and  black  neck  ribband, 
stood  up  in  the  pulpit,  zealously  preaching  "Jesus  Christ 
and  Him  crucified,"  as  the  Saviour  of  perishing  sinners,  it 
is  not  surprising  that  wherever  he  officiated,  the  Church 
was  filled  with  attentive  hearers,  and  some  began  to  en- 
tertain the  hope  that  better  things  were  in  reversion  for 
the  old  Church  in  Virginia. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Balmaine,  who  had  been  a  chaplain  in  the 
United  States  Army  during  the  war  of  the  Eevolution,  and 
who  had  married  a  relative  of  President  Madison,  was  the 
minister  of  the  parish  in  Frederick  county.  He  resided  in 
Winchester,  and  preached  alternately  there  and  in  the 
Stone  Chapel  near  Millwood.  His  character  is  briefly 
sketched  by  Mr.  Meade,  who,  in  the  spring  of  1811,  be- 
came his  associate  :  "My  connexion  with  Mr.  Balmaine 
was  most  pleasant  and  harmonious.  He  was  one  of  the 
most  simple  and  single-hearted  of  men.  He  was  also  very 
generous  and  disinterested,  but,  like  too  many  of  the  min- 
isters of  that  day,  he  thought  there  was  no  harm  in  the 
dance,  the  game  of  cards,  and,  sometimes,  the  free  use  of 
the  cup.  For  the  last  ten  years  of  his  life,  however^  he 
was  a  changed  man.  Some  of  the  most  eloquent  extem- 
pore efi'usions  I  ever  heard,  were  from  his  lips  while  stand- 
ing in  the  chancel  on  Sacramental  occasions,  when  he  re- 
ferred with  tears  to  past  errors,  and  sought  to  make 
amends  by  thus  testifying  to  evangelical  doctrine  and 
holy  living." 

In  the  Old  Stone  Chapel,  in  the  erection  of  which  Mr. 
Meade's  father  had  taken  an  active  part,  and  in  which  for 
many  years,  his  honored  parents  had  been  accustomed  to 
worship,  surrounded  by  their  children  ;  to  which  he  had 
often  been  carried  an  infant  in  his  mother's  arms,  and 
when  a  boy,  on  horseback  behind  his  father — where  in  after 
life  he  was  destined  to  bend  again  and  again  as  a  mour- 
ner, and  where  he  hoped  at  last  himself  to  find  a  grave 
3* 


58  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEA.DE. 

near  the  remains  of  the  many  loved  ones,  there  sleeping 
in  Jesus  —  there  he  now  commenced  those  stated  services, 
which  continued  for  five  and  twenty  years  of  his  ministe- 
rial life,  "Living  and  laboring  on  a  small  farm,  and  hav- 
ing no  design  or  wish  to  go  elsewhere." 

In  the  "  recollections,"  by  Mrs.  J.  Nelson,  referring  to 
his  visit  at  the  time  of  his  ordination,  it  is  stated  that  "at 
that  time  he  was  a  father.^'  The  event  had  occurred  but  a 
few  weeks  before,  and  of  course  had  been  announced  to 
absent  friends,  especially  to  the  family  at  Arlington.  That 
letter  is  lost,  or  very  probably  it  would  furnish  a  specimen 
of  wild  joy,  and  extravagant  description  such  as  few  would 
credit  of  William  Meade.  There  is  however,  something 
to  sustain  such  a  conjecture,  in  letters  which  remain.  Mrs. 
Custis,  in  a  congratulatory  communication  to  Mrs.  Meade, 
alluded  to  Mr.  Meade's  glowing  account  of  the  boy's  ex- 
cellencies, both  corporeal  and  mental,  and  made  playful 
overtures  to  pre-engage  Philip  for  her  own  daughter  Mary, 
(now  Mrs.  Gen.  Eobert  Lee,)  but  wilh  the  ])roviso  that  he 
must  prove  "very  good  and  very  wise."  Mrs.  Meade  in  a 
letter  post-marked  Feb.  11,  1811,  and  addressed  to  Miss 
Susan.  Meade,  then  on  a  visit  to  Arlington,  alluding  in 
modest  terms  to  her  infant,  sleeping  near  her  says,  "  Bat 
do  not  credit  William's  exaggerated  accounts  of  his  perso- 
nal perfections.  He  is  not  a  beauty  even  in  my  eyes," 
and,  "  as  to  his  intellectual  perfections,  I  can  give  you  little 
information  on  that  score,  as  they  have  not  yet  developed 
themselves."  Eeferring  to  the  condition  annexed  to  the 
betroth  ment  proposed  by  Mrs.  Castis,  she  remarks,  "Tell 
Cousin  Molly  the  condition  on  which  she  offers  her  pre- 
cious Mary,  are  no  easy  ones,  '  To  be  very  good  and  very 
wise,'  falls  to  the  lot  of  few  of  the  sons  of  Eve.  But 
tempting  is  the  prize,  it  must  be  confessed;  sufficiently  so, 
to  induce  a  strenuous  effort  to  obtain  it.  However,  I  ex- 
pect Mary  will  not  consent  to  wait  for  Philip.  Her  bright 
eyes  will  lead  captive  many  a  poor  youth,  I  suppose,  e'er 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  59 

he  will  have  escaped  the  light  branches  of  hie,  hsec,  hoc, 
&c.,  and  amongst  her  train  the  happy  selection  will,  I  sus- 
pect, be  made  before  that  period." 

To  this  letter  Mr.  Meade  appends  a  few  lines  intended 
for  Mrs.  Custis : 

"Hip  !  Gee !  Woo  !  Wha!  and  the  plough, 
Hie  !  Haec  !  Hoc  !  and  the  Latin  Grammar. 

No  !  No!  Mr.  Philip!  You  shall  learn  to  say  the  words 
in  the  upper  line  before  spring,  and  then  with  all  solemni- 
ty I  intend  to  consecrate  you  to  the  hands  of  the  plough. 
Teach  Mary  to  wash  and  spin  and  cook,  and  we  will  make 
a  match  of  it,  Cousin  Molly.  Mary,  my  wife,  she  does 
think  him  handsome,  and  so  he  is.  He  laughs  killingly; 
he  cries  sweetly ;  he  opens  his  mouth,  above  all,  in  imita- 
tion of  mine!  Good-bye." 

With  a  heart  alive  to  the  delightful  charities  of  domes- 
tic life,  and  a  circle  of  relatives  and  acquaintances  suited 
to  exercise  every  feeling  of  affection  and  friendship,  it  is 
not  strange  that  he  should  have  '•  no  design  or  wish,"  to 
leave  the  beautiful  "  little  farm  on  which  he  lived  "  so  hap- 
pily, and  labored  diligently  with  his  own  hands  to  support 
his  family,  whilst,  in  public  and  private,  he  freely  and  faith- 
fully preached  to  the  people  the  unsearcheable  riches  of 
Christ.  But  this  happy  arrangement  was  soon  to  be,  for 
a  time  and  partially  interrupted,  Christ  Church,  Alexan- 
dria, had  just  become  vacant.  The  last  Rector  was  from 
the  West  Indies,  where  his  wife  whom  he  had  abandoned, 
still  lived.  After  coming  to  this  country  he  married 
again.  The  wife  whom  he  had  forsaken,  pursued  him  to 
Alexandria,  when  he  quickly  disappeared,  and  was  heard 
of  no  more.  This  was  not  the  first  instance  in  which  the 
parish  had  suffered  from  the  unworthiness  of  its  minis- 
ters, and  now,  desirous  to  avoid  a  repetition  of  the  evil,  the 
vestry  determined  to  secure  the  services  of  some  one  of 
known  worth  and  ability.     With  Mr.  Meade  they  were 


60  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

acquainted,  and  to  him  they  made  an  unanimous  and  earn- 
est appeal  to  come  to  their  relief.  The  very  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances of  the  congregation,  of  which  he  was  well  in- 
formed, enforced  the  appeal  and  determined  his  accep- 
tance of  the  invitation,  with  the  understanding  that  he 
was  to  spend  *'  a  considerable  part  of  the  year  in  Freder- 
ick, visiting  Alexandria  during  that  time,  once  in  four 
weeks."  It  could  not  have  been  expected  that  this  ar- 
rangement would  be  durable.  It  continued  but  two  years. 
Finding  it  impossible  to  do  justice  to  both  congregations, 
he  withdrew  from  his  connection  with  Christ  Church,  Al- 
exandria, and  gave  himself  again  wholly  to  his  first  love 
in  Frederick. 

His  temporary  residence  in  Alexandria  was  by  no  means 
a  profitless  experiment.  It  was  productive  of  a  reform  in 
certain  practices,  which  were  irregular  and  injurious,  in 
the  cultivation  of  a  taste,  on  the  part  of  the  people,  for  de- 
cidedly evangelical  preaching,  in  the  adoption  for  the  first 
time,  of  an  instrumentality  for  good,  which,  in  after  life, 
he  often  employed  with  happy  effect,  and  in  the  formation 
of  acquaintances  and  associations,  which,  in  the  good  pro- 
vidence of  Grod,  led  to  measures  most  influential  in  the 
gradual  revival  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion  in  many 
parishes. 

The  irregularities,  to  the  correction  of  which  he  ad- 
dressed himself,  were  connected  with  "  the  place  of  bap- 
tism and  the  qualification  of  sponsors."  "At  an  early  pe- 
riod," he  writes,  "  I  resolved  to  oppose  myself  to  the  prac- 
tice of  private  baptism,  without  due  cause,  on  account  of 
its  shameful  dishonoring  of  the  ordinance.  When  I  went 
to  Alexandria  the  Fall  after  my  ordination  as  Deacon,  I 
found  that  up  to  that  time,  the  old  custom  had  prevailed 
of  private  baptism,  with  more  or  less  merriment.  I  deter- 
mined to  make  a  change.  I  communicated  my  purpose  to 
one  or  two  of  the  best  of  the  laity,  but  found  they  feared 
the  result.     '  Let  us  try  it,'  I  said,  and   accordingly  ad- 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  61 

dressed  the  congregation  on  the  subject  from  the  pulpit, 
setting  forth  the  law  of  the  Church,  and  the  great  prosti- 
tution of  the  ordinance  by  reason  of  its  violation,  and  beg- 
ging them  to  bring  un baptised  children  to  the  Church,  on 
a  certain  Sabbath  and  at  a  certain  time  appointed.  God 
blessed  the  effort.  There  was  but  one  refusal,  and  that 
only  for  a  few  months.  The  same  thing  occurred  at  a  later 
period  of  my  ministry,  both  in  Norfolk  and  Petersburg. 
The  most  interesting  of  all  my  services  at  those  places 
were  the  public  baptisms.  They  were  separate  occasions, 
the  hymns  as  well  as  the  prayers,  were  suited  to  the  occa- 
sion. Exhortation  both  before  and  after  the  Baptism, 
were  altogether  on  that  subject.  The  afternoon  of  cer- 
tain Sunday's  was  devoted  to  such  services  and  many 
were  the  attendants." 

With  regard  to  sponsors,  the  error  lay  in  making  the 
request  a  mere  compliment,  and  in  placing  in  that  relation 
those  utterly  destitute  of  personal  piety,  and,  not  unfre- 
quently,  youth  who  had  themselves  scarcely  come  to  years 
of  discretion.  The  impropriety  of  this  practice  was  too 
palpable  to  stand  exposure,  and  it  easily  yielded  to  his  af- 
fectionate and  judicious  remonstrances. 

Mr.  Meade  aimed  to  reform  the  pulpit  as  well  as  the 
font.  The  prevailing  style  of  preaching  has  been  noted. 
From  the  character  of  several  of  the  Rectors  of  Christ 
Church,  it  is  a  fair  inference,  that  in  their  .teaching  there 
was  little  to  inform  the  mind,  rouse  the  conscience,  or  lead 
the  enquiring  to  the  "Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the 
sins  of  the  world."  "The  Gospel,  it  is  to  be  feared,"  writes 
Mr.  Meade,  "  had  not  been  clearly  preached  in  times  past. 
It  was  now  attempted,  and  though  most  imperfectly  done, 
as  to  style  and  manner,  God's  blessing  was  granted.  The 
services  were  well  attended.  Many  were  added  to  the 
Church  of  such  as  gave  good  proof  afterwards,  that  they 
would  be  of  those  who  should  be  saved."  (O.  C.,p.  32.) 

The  change  which  he  so  humbly  records  was  not  a  freak 


62  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

of  religious  excitement,  occasioned  by  the  powers  of  a  popu- 
lar preacher,  and  on  his  removal  sure  to  be  followed  by  a 
relapse.  It  was  a  holy  and  wholesome  resolution  in  the 
spiritual  taste  and  appetite,  and  has  been  so  perpetuated, 
that,  from  that  pei^od,  none  but  an  evangelical  ministry, 
has  found  favor  in  Christ  Church. 

Mr.  Meade  was,  early  and  always,  partial  to  that  mode 
of  ministerial  usefulness,  which  consisted  in  the  circula- 
tion of  judicious  tracts  and  larger  treatises  on  those  reli- 
gious subjects,  which  the  state  of  the  Church  seemed  to 
need.  Many  of  these  he  wrote  himself  and  was  zealous 
in  inviting  others  to  tliQ,  work.  When  he  found  anything 
in  print  which  promised,  in  whole  or  in  part,  to  advance 
the  good  cause,  he  was  diligent  w:th  his  pen  in  preparing 
it  for  use,  and  liberal  with  his  means  in  publishing  it  for 
distribution.  He  , thus  relates  his  first  experiment:  "It 
was  during  my  stay  in  Alexandria,  that  I  procured  from 
the  library  of  Mr.  Custis  at  Arlington,  the  folio  edition  of 
Bishop  Wilson's  works,  which  had  been  presented  to  Gen. 
Washington  by  the  son  of  Bishop  Wilson,  and  which  works 
had  been  recommended  to  me  by  Bishop  Madison.  By 
the  help  of  Mr.  Edward  McGuire,  who  was  then  prepar- 
ing for  the  ministry  with  me,  I  selected  from  the  various 
parts  of  that  large  book,  a  small  volume  of  private  and 
family  prayers,  which  have  gone  through  three  editions, 
and  which,  being  freely  circulated  among  the  families  of 
Virginia,  contributed  greatly  to  introduce  what  was  indeed 
a  novelty  in  that  day  —  the  practice  of  family  worship." 
(O.C.,p.34.) 

A  distinguished  politician  who  has  long  been  in  public 
life,  was  a  few  years  since,  on  a  visit  to  one  of  his  constit- 
uents. Before  the  family  separated  for  the  night,  the 
stand,  with  the  Bible  and  the  Book  of  Prayer  was  set  out, 
and  the  head  of 'the  family  read  a  chapter  and  said  praj^ers. 
When  the  service  was  over,  the  visitor  observed,  "Well! 
what  a  change  in  old  Virginia !    When  I  first  canvassed 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  63 

this  district,  tiamilj^  worship  was  ahnost  unknown  ;  but 
now  in  nearly  every  house  I  visit,  the  members  assemble 
asyou  have  done,  to  read  the  Scriptures  and  unite  in  prayer 
before  retiring  to  rest."  This  salutary  chanj^e  in  the  reli- 
gious usage  of  the  families  of  Virginia,  may,  without  lia- 
bility to  the  charge  of  creduiousness,  be  annexed  to  the 
record  of  the  work  of  the  young  parish  minister  and  his 
student  in  Alexandria. 

In  his  autobiographical  sketch,  he  mentions  in  connex- 
ion with  this  date,  the  commencement  of  an  acquaintance, 
which  soon  ripened  into  a  devoted  friendship,  and  contin- 
ued without  intermission  till  terminated  by  death.  "  It 
was  during  my  stay  in  Alexandria  that  I  formed  a  strong 
attachment  to  my  most  estimable  friend,  Mr.  Francis  S. 
Key,  of  Georgetown."  The  rare  genius  of  this  distin- 
guished gentleman  —  his  great  natural  refinement  and 
grace  —  and  his  extraordinary  conversational  powers,  com- 
bined with  his  intelligent,  ardent,  and  active  piety,  ren- 
dered him  a  charming  companion,  and  an  invaluable  friend. 
He  was  highly  gifted  us  a  poet,  and  though  the  pieces 
which  he  has  left  us,  are  few  and  brief — evidently  pro- 
duced without  effort  or  elaboration — they  speak  to  the 
patriotism  and  the  piety  of  the  people,  and  have  embalmed 
his  memory  in  the  History  of  the  Country,  and  in  the  de- 
votions of  the  Church  which  he  loved.  ISTo  one  could 
more  highly  appreciate  his  personal  excellencies  and  en- 
joy his  lovely  Christian  spirit,  than  Mr.  Meade.  In" evan- 
gelical sentiment,  and  in  reference  to  the  benevolent  and 
religious  enterprises  of  the  day,  they  were  of  one  mind 
and  one  heart,  and  hand  in  hand,  rejoiced  to  labor  for 
their  advancement. 

The  vicinity  of  Alexandria  to  Washington,  enabled  some 
members  of  Congress  who  were  attracted  by  the  character 
and  preaching  of  Mr.  Meade,  to  attend  the  services  in 
Christ  Church.  John  Randolph,  df  Roanoke,  and  James 
Milnor,  who  was  then  a  Representative  from  Philadelphia, 


64  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

were  among  his  occasional  hearers.  Mr.  Eandolph,  who 
was  distantly  connected  with  him,  and  always  called  his 
father  "  Uncle  Kidder,"  regarded  him  with  singular  favor, 
both  as  a  man,  and  as  a  preacher.  When,  at  a  subsequent  pe- 
riod, his  conscience  was  roused,  and  he  became  alive  to 
the  importance  of  religion,  he  communicated  freely  with 
Mr.  Meade^  and  with  their  mutual  friend,  Mr.  Key.  Some 
of  his  letters  addressed  to  them  under  these  interesting 
circumstances,  and  preserved  in  "Garland's  Life  of  Ran- 
dolph," and  in  the  "  The  History  of  the  Old  Churches,  and 
Families  of  Virginia,"  are  well  worthy  of  perusal,  as  exhib- 
iting the  exercises  of  a  great  but  eccentric  intellect,  under 
the  awakening  power  of  divine  truth. 

Mr.  Milnor's  connection  with  Mr.  Meade,  commenced  at 
a  period  when  his  religious  character,  and  new  purj)Oses 
of  life,  were  receiving  their  form  and  direction.  At 
such  a  crisis,  it  was  a  gracious  providence  which  brought 
him,  though  only  occasionally,  under  such  spiritual  teach- 
ing as  was  rare  in  those  days ;  and  into  association  with  a 
minister  whose  intelligent  zeal,  and  godly  life,  were  well 
calculated  to  guide  and  and  animate  him,  in  the  pursuit  of 
truth  and  duty.  How  largely  he  was  indebted  to  his  sal- 
utary association  for  those  clear  views,  which  determined 
him  to  relinquish  a  profession  which  had  secured  to  him 
honor  and  wealth,  and  to  devote  the  rest  of  his  life  to  the 
ministry  of  the  Gospel,  is  one  of  those  disclosures  reserved 
for  the  last  day 

Another  brief  notice  will  complete  the  history  of  the 
new  and  eventful  acquaintances  which  Mr.  Meade  records 
as  formed  at  this  time.  "  It  was  during  my  short  stay  in 
Alexandria,  that  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  assumed  the 
charge  of  St.  Paul's  congregation ;  and  at  the  close  of  my 
ministry  there,  that  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris,  took  charge 
of  Christ  Church.  These  beloved  brothers,  coming  from 
Maryland  with  those  views  of  the  Gospel  which  the  evan- 
gelical clergy  and  laity  of  England,  were  then  so  zealous- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  65 

ly  and  successfully  propagating  there,  contributed  most 
effectually  to  the  promotion  of  the  same  in  Virginia,  as  is 
well  known  to  all  of  their  day."  (O   C,  p.  34.) 

These  devoted  men,  with  their  brother  who  has  thus 
borne  his  affectionate  testimony' to  their  faith  and  effi- 
ciency, formed  the  clerical  trio,  honored  of  God  as  His  in- 
struments in  resuscitating  a  Church,  which  many  regarded 
as  hopelessly  dead.  Mr.  Norris  was  the  first  of  the  three 
to  "finish  his  course  with  jo}","  having  made  full  proof  of 
his  ministry  in  the  parish  which  he  served,  and  in  aiding 
to  diffuse  through  the  Diocese  those  views  of  evangelical 
truth  and  order,  which  have  been  so  signally  successful  in 
its  revival.  Early  in  its  increasing  light,  he  was  called  to 
rest  from  his  labors,  but  its  dawn  had  rejoiced  his  heart, 
and  he  closed  his  eyes  in  blessed  hope. 

The  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer  survived  Mr.  Norris  but  two 
years.  By  his  happy  influence  from  the  pulpit  and  through 
the  press,  and  in  the  councils  of  the  Church,  he  contribut- 
ed to  its  growth  and  symmetry  The  Journals  of  the 
Diocese  and  of  the  General  Convention  testify  to  the  honor 
with  which  he  was  regarded  whilst  living,  and  the  sense 
of  bereavement  caused  by  his  lamented  death. 

This  recital  of  the  measures  successfully  adopted  and 
of  the  friendships  formed  by  Mr.  Meade,  whilst  Rector  of 
Christ  Church,  shows  that  his  short  sojourn  in  Alexandria 
was  not  a  mistaken  and  fruitless  experiment,  but  an  im- 
portant episode  in  his  life,  distinctly  marked  by  activities 
and  alliances,  profitable  and  pleasant  at  the  time,  and 
suited  to  promote  his  usefulness  in  the  future.  It  must 
not  be  unnoticed,  that  here  also  originated  the  movements 
which  led  to  the  resuscitation  of  the  Church  in  Virginia. 

For  seven  years,  from  1805  to  1812,  there  had  been  no 
Convention  in  Virginia.  The  few  zealous  ministers  la- 
bored faithfully  in  and  around  their  respective  cures,  but 
they  labored  apart,  without  the  benefit  of  conference  and 
co-oj)eration.     The  Bishop  was,  perhaps  unavoidably,  de- 


ee 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 


voted,  to  a  great  extent,  to  the  interest  of  the  College  over 
which  he  presided  with  distinguished  ability,  and  from 
which  he  derived  his  support.  Here  and  there  an  isolated 
congregation, favored  with  a  faithful  pastor,  gave  signs  of 
life;  but  the  Diocese  at  large  had  sunk  into  a  lamentable 
lethargy.  In  the  spring  of  1812,  Bishop  Madison  died, 
and  the  parishes  were  thus  deprived  of  even  the  imperfect 
supervision  and  infrequent  services  which  his  connection 
with  "  William  and  Mary"  permitted  him  to  render. 

The  first  voice  that  was  raised  to  rouse  and  rally  the 
supine  and  dissociate  members  of  the  Church,  and  animate 
to  such  action  as  was  demanded  for  its  preservation  from 
total  extinction,  was  heard  from  the  lips  of  the  young 
deacon  who  ministered  in  Christ  Church,  Alexandria.  The 
Rev.  W.  H.  Wilmer  concurring  with  him  as  to  the  course 
proper  to  be  pursued,  they  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Rev . 
Dr.  Buchanon,  who  was  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of 
1805,  "requesting  him  to  call  a  special  Convention  in  May. 
In  compliance  with  this  notice,  the  meeting  was  held  at 
the  time  designated  (May  13),  and  in  the  city  of  Richmond. 
From  the  Journal  of  that  year  (1812),  it  appears  that 
fourteen  of  the  clergy  and  twelve  of  the  laity  were  present. 
The  election  of  a  Bishop  was  the  important  business  of  the 
meeting,  and  after  discussing  it  and  fully  determining  it 
to  be  expedient,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bracken,  a  Professor  in  Wil- 
liam and  Mary  College,  was  nominated.  The  election  ap- 
pears to  have  been  by  joint  ballot.  Twenty-three  of  the 
twenty-four  votes  cast,  were  found  to  be  for  Dr.  Bracken, 
who  was  accordingly  declared  to  be  duly  elected  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcoj^al  Church.  When  the  testimo- 
nial, recommending  him  for  consecration,  was  being  sub- 
scribed by  the  members  of  the  Convention,  Mr.  Meade, 
who  had  endeavored  to  effect  the  postponement  of  the 
election,  declined  signing  the  document.  Edward  Mc- 
Gruire,  the  lay  delegate  from  Christ  Church,  Alexandria, 
also  declined,  as  did  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Wilmer,  and  his  lay 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  67 

delegate  from  St.  Paul's,  Alexandria,  who  "  having  been 
detained  on  their  journey,  and  coming  in*  during  the  act 
of  signing  the  testimonial ;  placing  their  refusal  on  the 
ground  of  not  having  been  present  at  the  election,  and 
perhaps  of  not  being  acquainted  with  the  individual." 
(Autobiography.)  Mr.  Meade's  refusal  was  not  because 
of  anything  incidental  to  the  proceedings,  or  from  mere  pre- 
ference for  some  other  person,  but  from  the  honest  con- 
viction of  the  "un  worthiness"  of  the  Bishop  elect. 

His  conscience  was  not  satisfied  by  simply  withholding 
his  sanction,  and  leaving  the  responsibility  entirely  upon 
those  whose  votes  determined  the  election,  He  did  not 
deem  his  duty  discharged  without  using  every  lawful 
means  to  prevent  the  consummation  of  a  proceeding  which 
He  believed  would  prejudice  the  cause  of  religion,  and  se- 
riously interfere  with  the  prosj^erity  of  the  Episcopal 
Church.  With  that  moral  courage  for  which  he  was  dis- 
tinguished through  life,  "he  declared  his  intention  to  make 
further  opposition  "  before  others  whose  consent  would  be 
necessary  to  the  proposed  consecration.  This  painful  duty, 
however,  he  was  spared.  For  reasons  not  recorded,  those 
appointed  to  arrange  for  the  consecration  did  nothing. 
The  Journal  for  1813  contains  the  entry :  "  The  Eev.  Dr. 
Bracken,  who  was  elected  Bishop  of  this  State  by  the  last 
Convention,  gave  in  his  resignation,  which  was  accepted." 
Here  the  matter  ended.  The  discernment  and  resolution 
of  a  young  deacon  arrested  and  nullified  the  almost  unan- 
imous action  of  the  Convention,  and  saved  the  Diocese  an 
infliction,  greater  perhaps  than  it  could  have  well  borne. 
The  occurrence  is  of  no  further  importance  here,  than  as 
it  furnished  occasion  for  the  manifestation  of  that  noble- 
ness of  spirit  which  regards  right,  rather  than  popularity, 
and  of  that  intrepidity  which  prefers  standing  alone  by 
duty,  to  companionship  with  the  multitude  in  doing  evil  ; 
and  which  is  not  unfrequently  honored  with  a  triumph 
unattainable  by  faint-hearted  and  compromising  policy. 


68  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

Of  the  Convention  of  1813,  and  of  its  impression  on  him- 
self, Mr.  Meade  has  left  us  an  affecting  description  :  "  It 
was  attended  by  a  mere  handful."  "  Our  deliberations 
were  conducted  in  one  of  the  Committee  rooms  of  the  Cap- 
itol, sitting  around  a  table.  There  was  nothing  to  en- 
courage us  to  meet  again.  When  I  left  it,  it  was  under  the 
impression  that  it  would  be  our  last."  "  I  well  remember 
that,  having  just  read  Scott's  'Lay  of  the  Last  Minstrel,' 
as  I  took  my  solitary  way  homeward,!  found  myself  con- 
tinually saying  in  relation  to  the  Church  in  Yirginia,  in 
the  words  of  the  elfish  page,  Host!  lost!  lost!'  and  never 
expected  to  cross  the  mountains  again  on  such  an  er- 
rand." 

In  the  gracious  purpose  of  Divine  Providence,  which 
had  better  things  in  reserve  for  the  Church  in  Yirginia 
than  recent  events  would  indicate,  the  very  failure  which 
had  so  dispiriting  an  influence,  only  left  the  way  open  for 
a  movement  which  was  already  in  preparation.  The  hour 
was  indeed  of  great  darkness,  but  the  dawn  was  nigh. 
"What  to  man's  vision  was  hopeless  extremity,  proved  to 
be  Grod's  opportunity.  Before  another  Convention  met, 
the  auspicious  measure  was  in  progress.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Dashiel,  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Baltimore,  had,  at  a  recent 
G-eneral  Convention,  become  acquainted  with  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Moore,  then  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  New  York. 
He  had  heard  him  preach  the  gospel  with  zeal  and  power, 
in  several  large  Churches,  and  also  eloquently  advocate  the 
introduction  of  more  hymns  into  the  Prayer  Book.  Mr. 
Dashiel  was  so  favorably  impressed  by  the  ability  and 
spirit  of  these  performances,  that  he  wrote  of  him  to  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  W.  H.  Wilmer  and  Oliver  ISTorris,  as  the  man 
to  raise  up  the  Church  in  Yirginia.  These  gentlemen  im- 
mediately communicated  with  Mr.  Meade  on  the  subject, 
and  he  and  Mr.  Wilmer  entered  into  a  correspondence  with 
Dr.  Moore,  which  led  to  his  election  at  the  next  Conven- 
tion.    The  whole  proceeding,  when  once  commenced,  was 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  69 

perfected  with  singular  dispatch.  Frora  the  Journal  of 
1814,  it  appears  that  on  the  5th  of  May,  "the  Kev.  Kich- 
ard  Channing  Moore  was  declared  to  be  duly  elected  to 
the  Episcopate  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia."  The  General 
Convention  met  the  same  year  and  month  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  and  on  the  18th  of  May,  not  a  fortnight  after 
his  election,  Dr.  Moore  was  consecrated  in  St.  James' 
Church,  Bishop  White  presiding. 

Mr.  Meade,  who  had  been  so  active  in  securing  the  ser- 
vices of  Dr.  Moore,  expresses  himself  as  in  some  respects 
disappointed  at  the  commencement  of  his  administration. 
"  I  was  not  so  well  pleased  with  him  at  first  as  I  expected. 
He  brought  with  him  more  of  New  York,  than  was  to  my 
taste,  or  the  taste  of  many  others.  But  his  good  sense,  his 
amiable  disposition,  and  sincere  piety,  gradually  accomoda- 
ted him  to  the  clergy  and  people  of  Virginia ;  and  we  all  lov- 
ed him  more  and  more  to  his  life's  end,  and  he  became  more 
and  more  one  of  us  every  year."  With  his  entrance  upon 
the  duties  of  his  Episcopate,  ''  a  favorable  change  com- 
menced. Hope  sprang  up  in  the  bosoms  of  many  hitherto 
desponding.  Bishop  Moore  had  some  fine  qualifications 
for  the  work  of  revival.  His  venerable  form,  his  melo- 
dious voice,  his  popular  preaching,  his  evangelical  doc- 
trine, his  amiable  disposition,  his  fund  of  anecdote  in  pri- 
vate, and  his  love  for  the  Church,  all  contributed  to  make 
him  popular  and  successful,  so  far  as  he  was  able  to  visit 
and  put  forth  effort." 

The  Monumental  Church  in  the  City  of  Eichraond, 
having  been  completed,  and  the  congregation  organized, 
a  memorial  from  the  vestry,  was  presented  to  the  Conven- 
tion of  1814,  "praying  the  right  of  representation."  It 
was  granted.  Among  the  proceedings  of  the  second  day, 
the  following  entry  is  found  : 

^^Resolved,  That  the  JRev.  William  Meade,  be  reques- 
ted to  deliver  a  discourse  in  the  Monumental  Church,  in 
this  City,  at  the  hour  of  eleven,  A.  M.,  on  the  next   Sab- 


70  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

bath  day,  appropriate  to  the  occasion  of  admitting  that 
Church  into  the  General  Church  of  this  Diocese." 

It  is  surprising  that  the  only  reporter  of  the  services  on 
that  solemn  occasion,  was  neither  of  the  Convention,  nor 
a  resident  of  the  city.  Mr.  Eandolph  happened  to  be  a 
sojourner  in  Bichmond,  and  extracts  from  two  of  his  fa- 
miliar letters  to  his  friend  Key,  written  at  the  time,  are 
more  satisfactory  than  many  formal  notices. 

Richmond,  May--,  1814. 
"Meade  is  expected  here  daily.  There  is  a  general  wish  that  he  should 
preach  the  first  sermon  in  the  Monumental  Church.  "What  an  occasion  for 
a  man  who  would  not  sink  under  it  1  He  might  do  a  great  deal  of  good, 
were  he  to  yield  to  the  desire  of  the  congregation,  and  establish  himself 
among  them  ;  but  where  is  the  field  in  which  he  would  not  do  good?" 

Richmond,  May,  T,  1814i 
My  Dear  Friend: 

Mr.  Meade  tells  me  that  he  expects  to  see  you  in  a  few  days,  and  I  can- 
not let  him  depart  without  some  token  of  remembrance.  He  goes  away 
early  on  Monday  morning,  so  that  to  guard  against  failure,  I  write  to-day. 
He  has  made  an  engagement  to  preach  in  Hanover,  thirty-five  miles  off,  on 
Monday  evening.  No  man  can  respect  or  admire  bis  zeal,  more  than  I  do; 
but  I  fear  he  will  wear  himself  out,  and  that  the  sum  of  his  usefulness, 
will,  on  the  whole,  be  diminished,  unless  he  will  consent  to  spare  himself. 
I  must  refer  you  to  him  for  what  occurs  here,  except  the  eagerness  of  all 
classes  and  ranks  of  people  to  hear  him.  No  man  can  be  more  generally 
revered  than  he  is. 

Mr.  Meade  will  preach  to-morrow  in  the  new  Church.  He  is  anxious  on 
account  of  a  silly  piece  which  was  stuck  into  his  paper.  He  has  had  no 
time  for  preparation  on  so  useful  a  subject,  and  is  uneasy  that  public  ex- 
pectation has  been  led  to  it.  Indeed,  who  could  treat  it  as  it  deserves? 
Certainly  no  man  whom  I  have  ever  heard. 

I  left  the  letter  open  that  I  might  say  a  word  about  my  friend's  discourse. 
He  explained,  in  a  few  satisfactory  and  appropriate  words,  why  he  should 
not  touch  upon  a  subject,  which  many  of  his  hearers  had  been  led  to  ex- 
pect he  would  treat,  (the  burning  of  the  theatre,  on  whose  site  the  new 
Church  was  erected),  and  then  gave  us  a  most  excellent  sermon,  on  the 
pleasure  of  a  true  Christian  life.  A  prayer  which  he  introduced  into  his 
discourse,  that  the  heart,  even  if  it  were  hut  one,  of  the  unconverted,  might 
be  touched,  was  most  affecting.  He  preaches  this  afternoon  at  the  Capi- 
tol, on  the  subject  of  the  Bible  Societies. 

Sunday,  2  o'clock,  P.  M. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  71 

When  Mr.  Meade  resigned  the  Church  in  Alexandria 
and  returned  to  his  charge  in  Frederick  county,  he  was 
still  only  in  Deacons'  orders.  The  precise  time  of  his  or- 
dination to  the  Priesthood  is  not  known.  It  occurred, 
however,  before,  and  but  a  short  time  before,  the  conse- 
cration of  Dr.  Moore.  The  Episcopate  of  Virginia  being 
yet  vacant.  Bishop  Claggett,  of  Maryland,  was  invited  to 
officiate,  and  admitted  him  to  Priests'  orders  in  Alexandria, 
"about  two  years-after"  his  resignation  of  Christ  Church. 
The  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Eev.  Simon  Wilmer,  a 
presbyter  of  the  Diocese  of  Maryland — "  a  faithful  brother" 
—  warm-hearted,  and  active  in  his  ministry,  who,  in  the 
parishes  with  which  he  was  connected,  and  in  "journey- 
ings  often,"  carried  the  light  of  the  gospel  to  many  who 
sat  in  darkness.  It  would  be  no  mistake  to  number  him 
with  those  whose  labors  helped  to  improve  the  tone  of 
preaching,  and  the  state  of  religion  in  his  day.  Of  Bishop 
Claggett,  and  the  examination,  Mr.  Meade  writes  :  "  So 
far  as  I  know  and  believe,  he  entertained  sound  views  of 
the  gospel,  and  was  a  truly  pious  man.  There  was  much 
of  the  Englishman  about  him,  I  presume,  from  his  wear- 
ing the  mitre,  and  his  mode  of  examining  me  —  that  con- 
forming so  much  to  the  character  of  the  English  Univer- 
sity examinations.  Besides  a  number  of  hard  questions  in 
the  metaphysics  of  Divinity,  which  I  was  by  no  means 
well  prepared  to  answer,  but  which  he  kindly  answered  for 
me,  he  requested  that  I  would,  in  compliance  with  an  old 
English  canon,  which  had  been  I  think  somewhere  incor- 
porated into  our  requisitions,  give  him  an  account  of  my 
faith  in  the  Latin  tongue.  Although  I  was  pretty  well 
versed  in  the  Latin  language,  yet,  being  unused  to  speak 
it,  I  begged  him  to  excuse  me.  He  then  said  I  could  take 
pen  and  paper  and  write  it  down  in  his  presence ;  but  he 
was  kind  enough  to  excuse  me  from  that  also,  and  determ- 
ined to  ordain  me  with  all  my  deficiencies,  very  much  as 
some  other  Bishops  do  in  this  day." 


72  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

Mr.  Meade's  relinquishment  of  Christ  Church,  Alexan- 
dria, and  his  return  to  his  "  earthly  paradise"  in  the  Yal- 
ley  of  Virginia,  have  been  noticed.  He  is  now  to  be  viewed 
as  the  minister  of  a  country  parish,  occupying  his  own 
house,  which  his  own  hands  had  helped  to  build,  cultivat- 
ing the  small  but  fertile  farm,  from  which  the  support  of 
his  family  was  derived,  and  ministering  with  diligence  and 
success  to  a  people  whom  he  delighted  to  serve  in  the 
gospel,  and  by  whom  he  was  revered  and  loved. 

The  building  occupied'  by  himself  and  family,  was  of  "very 
moderate  dimensions,  and  in  conformity  with  the  princi- 
ples of  its  proprietor,  perfectly  plain  in  its  finish  and  fur- 
niture—  more  so,  than  at  a  later  period,  and  with  more 
ample  means,  would  have  been  required  by  his  conscience, 
or  agreeable  to  his  taste.  It  was  situated  in  a  rich  and 
beautiful  country,  and  afforded  an  extensive  prospect  of 
the  Blue  Eidge,  which,  no  doubt  suggested  its  name,  "  Moun- 
tain View."  Here  he  sought  and  found  his  chief  earthly 
happiness ;  not  in  aimless  intercourse  and  profitless  indul- 
gence, but  in  pleasing  and  salutary  social  occupation,  endea- 
voring "from  time  to  time  to  sanctify  his  own  life,  and  those 
of  his  family,  and  to  fashion  them  after  the  Bule  and  Doc- 
trine of  Christ  —  that  they  might  be  wholesome  and  god- 
ly examples  and  patterns  for  the  people  to  follow." 

Mr.  Meade  would  be  cousidered  a  strict  disciplinarian, 
but  with  so  much  good  sense,  and  affection,  that  his  con- 
trol commended  itself  to  those  whom  it  influenced,  and 
gained  both  their  judgment  and  love.  Alluding  to  his 
"  domestic  habits,"  he  writes,  "  I  was  devoted  to  my  most 
excellent  wife  and  three  children."  The  touching  memo- 
rial of  the  former  which  he  prepared,  discloses  a  heart 
alive  to  the  most  tender  affection  which  that  relationship 
involves,  and  experienced  in  the  happiness  which  its  purest 
exercise  imparts.  His  fondness  for  children  was  remarka- 
ble ;  one  was  rarely  in  his  company  without  being  dandled 
on  his  knee,  if  not  mounted  on  his  shoulder  and  borne 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  73 

sportively  ronnd  the  room.  In  his  short  rides  on  horse- 
back over  his  farm,  he  was  often  seen  with  one  behind  him, 
or  if  too  young  to  be  trusted  there,  placed  on  the  pummel 
and  supported  by  his  arm.  It  was  not  unusual  when  he 
was  writing,  for  the  youngest  to  be  sleeping  on  the  floor 
at  his  feet,  another  seated  on  his  knee,  and  a  third  close  by, 
freely  amusing  himself  with  his  playthings.  His  house 
had  not  apartments  enough  to  afford,  what  would  seem  to 
be  the  indispensable  accommodation  of  a  separate  study. 
"  For  the  first  twenty  years  of  my  ministry,"  he  writes,  "  I 
had  no  study,  most  of  my  sermons  were  written  in  the 
chamber  or  dining  room,  and  in  the  midst  of  children  and 
servants,"  and  no  doubt  he  might  truly  have  added,  whilst 
engaged  in  the  nursery  service,  which  the  judicious  Hook- 
er dignified  by  his  example. 

He  was  now  indeed  less  favorably  circumstanced  for 
regular  reading  or  composition,  than  during  the  period  of 
his  candidateship.  To  reconcile  the  many  and  diversified 
demands  of  the  parish,  with  the  time  and  labor  indispensa- 
ble to  the  management  of  the  farm,  was  no  easy  undertak- 
ing. There  were  times,  when  his  conscience  was  dis- 
turbed by  the  apprehension,  that  he  might  not  be  giving 
himself  sufficiently  to  those  studies,  which  were  requisite 
to  the  efficiency  of  his  ministry.  But  when  moved  by  this 
suspicion,  he  endeavored  to  apply  himself,  more  assiduously 
to  his  books,  he  was  soon  compelled  to  relax  his  efforts, 
by  the  painful  consciousness  of  a  physical  infirmity  to 
which  he  was  subject  through  life,  and  which  at  times, 
seriously  interfered  with  his  professional  pursuits,  and  pro- 
duced the  conviction,  that  it  was  useless  for  him  to  aim  at 
extensive  and  profound  professional  learning.  "  I  often 
ask  myself,"  he  writes,  "  when  much  occupied  by  my  farm 
and  giving  little  time  to  study,  am  I  not  guilty  of  viola- 
ting my  ordination  vows?  I  would  then,  for  a  time  devote 
myself  to  more  study,  but  soon  my  eyes  began  to  fail,  and 
my  h«ad  was  affected  with  vertigo,  and  I  became  satisfied 
4 


74  MEMOIR    or   BISHOP   MEADE. 

it  was  not  the  will  of  God  that  I  should  study  to  be  a  great 
divine  or  eloquent  preacher.  Had  I  not  been  a  farmer, 
my  health  must  soon  have  failed.  A  minister  to  a  town 
congregation,  for  any  length  of  time,  I  could  not  have 
been,  during  the  first  twenty-five  years  of  my  ministry,  or 
indeed  at  any  subsequent  period,  though  I  have  been  ena- 
bled to  study  and  write  more  for  the  last  ten  years." 

His  conclusion  that  it  was  not  intended  that  he  should 
become  an  eloquent  preacher,  was  no  doubt  very  honest, 
but  certainly  very  erroneous.     Unless  his  cotemporaries 
were  incompetent  judges,  or    false  witnesses,  he  rarely 
preached  without  producing  a  decided   impression.     His 
written  sermons  were  simple  in  structure  and  style,  and 
scriptural  in  their  substance  and  spirit,  and  were  delivered 
with  a  solemn  earnestness,  which  rendered  them  both  in- 
teresting and  eifective.      His  extemporaneous  discourses 
and  addresses  were  often  highly  felicitous,  and  of  great 
power  and  pathos.     After  one  of  his  happiest  efforts,  a 
clerical  brother  observed  to  him,  ''you  preach  so  much 
more  eloquently  without  your  manuscript,  why  do  you 
not  always  extemporize  ?     He  replied,  "  I  cannot  rely  on 
it,  for  I  can  never  tell  whether  I  shall  succeed  or  fail. 
With  me,  such  eloquence  is  too  accidental,^'     Perhaps  not 
so  accidental   as  he  allowed  himself  to  thiflk.     Without 
proper  preparation  the  product  of  the  pen  is  as  uncertain, 
or  immature  and  insipid,  as  the  fruit  of  the  lips  ;  and  other 
things  being  equal,  the  latter  will,  in  the  glow  occasioned 
by  the  light  and  warmth  of  an  intellectual  and  congenial 
assembly,  ripen  as  surely,  and  with  more  beautiful  tint 
and  more  agreeable  fragrance  and  flavor,  than  the  uniform 
temperature  of  a  study  can  produce. 

Whether  Mr.  Meade  became  "  a  great  divine,^'  it  would 
be  premature  to  attempt  to  determine  at  this  period.  It 
will  be  more  opportune  when  the  record  of  his  professional 
acquirements  and  labors,  afford  adequate  means  for  form- 
ing an  intelligent  decision.     In  the  manner  of  his  life  and 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  75 

his  habits  of  study,  as  noted  by  himself,  there  is  nothing 
to  render  improbable  the  humble  conclusion,  which  he  so 
frankly  expressed. 

An  incident,  illustrative  of  his  habits,  occurred  about 
this  time.  His  friend  Mr.  Key,  accompanied  by  Eev.  Mr. 
Horrell,  of  Maryland,  paid  a  visit  to  Mountain  View.  Mr. 
H.  had  never  seen  Mr.  Meade.  He  was  not  in  the  house 
when  the  visitors  arrived,  and  they  seated  themselves  at 
the  door,  awaiting  his  return.  It  was  not  long  before  a 
person  approached,  dressed  in  home-sjiun,  with  a  powder- 
horn  and  shot  bag  around  him,  a  gun  on  his  shoulder,  and 
the  tail  of  a  fox  stuck  in  the  front  of  his  hat  Mr.  Key 
introduced  the  stranger  as  the  Eev.  Mr.  Meade,  and  was 
not  a  little  amused  by  the  astonishment  of  Mr.  Horrell,  at 
the  appearance  and  accoutrements  of  his  friend,  who  soon 
explained  the  marvel.  It  was  his  habit,  he  said,  to  study 
a  little,  and  farm  a  little,  by  turns.  When  his  weak  eyes 
warned  him  to  delist  from  reading  and  writing,  he  was 
accustomed  to  walk  about  his  farm  to  inspect  and  assist 
in  its  operations.  Within  the  last  few  days,  the  premises 
had  been  visited  by  a  fox,  which  had  committed  serious  dep- 
redations on  the  flock  and  poultry.  Hoping  to  encounter 
the  marauder  in  his  walk,  he  had  taken  his  gun  with  him. 
He  was  not  mistaken  in  his  expectation,  or  his  aim.  A 
single  shot  sufficed  to  prostrate  the  spoiler,  and  he  had 
brought  the  brush  home,  to  amuse  the  children. 

It  would  be  great  injustice  to  Mr.  Meade,  to  suppose 
that  with  him,  his  agricultural  interests  had  the  ascenden- 
cy. His  parochial  work,  so  far  from  being  slighted  as  of 
secondary  consideration,  was  regarded  as  paramount,  and 
was  pel  formed  with  a  punctuality,  devotion  and  energy, 
worthy  of  imitation  by  those  who  are  freed  from  his  cares. 
In  addition  to  the  stated  services  at  the  Stone  Chapel,  and 
in  Winchester,  he  frequently  officiated  elsewhere,  both  in 
Frederick,  and  in  the  adjacent  counties.  By  such  mission- 
ary labors  the  Church  was  established  at  several  impor- 


76  MEMOIR   or   BISHOP    MEADE. 

tant  points  in  that  section  of  the  Diocese.  Alhiding  to 
these  ministrations  and  their  fruits,  he  writes,  "  When  I 
first  began  to  preach  at  the  Chapel  in  Frederick,  there 
was  not  a  Church  except  that  in  Winchester,  within  twen- 
ty miles  around.  From  a  distance  of  twelve  miles  around, 
I  would  often  see  worshippers  there.  There  are  now  no 
less  than  ten  excellent  Churches,  where  there  were  only 
two  indifferent  ones." 

There  was  a  class  in  the  community,  whose  claims  to 
ministerial  attention  Mr.  Meade  felt  very  deeply,  and  from 
the  first,  endeavored  to  perform  faithfully,  those  duties 
which  his  relation  to  them  involved.  Although  there  were 
not  as  many  slaves  in  the  Yalley,  as  in  the  Tide-water 
counties,  yet  -even  there,  they  were  sufficiently  numerous 
to  require  special  religious  services.  For  these  he  made 
the  best  provision  which  the  nature  of  the  case  allowed  — 
officiating  for  them  himself,  both  in  season  and  out  of 
season  —  engaging  others  to  do  the  same,  and  also  to  as- 
sist by  preparing  short  sermons,  catechisms,  and  tracts, 
suited  to  their  capacity,  to  be  used  in  families  in  the  way 
of  oral  instruction.  In  reference  to  some  of  these  labors' 
he  writes,  "  When  preaching  at  the  Chapel,  I  used  often  to 
minister  to  the  servants  there  in  the  afternoon,  and  some- 
times in  the  morning  at  some  of  the  quarters,  on  my  way 
to  Church,  in  the  summer  season.  One  day  in  the  week 
was  devoted  to  them  on  the  plantations,  being  at  one  farm 
about  breakfast  time,  and  another  at  dinner  time.  There 
were  about  fifteen  plantations  thus  visited,  so  that  the  in- 
tervals were  long,  especially  when  visits  to  the  neighbor- 
ing counties,  took  me  from  home,  as  was  often  the  case, 
there  being  such  a  demand  for  my  services  in  the  vacant 
parishes.  The  overseers  too,  would  often  defraud  me  of 
many  of  my  hearers,  by  having  some  particular  business 
for  some  of  the  hands." 

After  the  erection  of  a  new  Church  at  Millwood,  the 
Stone  Chaj)el  was  apj)ropriated  to  the  servants.     The  ex- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  77 

ample  of  furnishrig  a  separate  place  of  worship  for  them, 
was  followed  in  different  parts  of  the  Diocese.  Along  the 
course  of  James  Elver,  several  of  the  owners  of  large  plan- 
tations, provided  suitable  Chapels  for  the  accommodation 
of  their  servants,  where  at  the  convenience  of  the  minister 
of  the  parish,  they  could  be  assembled. 

Although  from  motives  of  expediency,  Mr.  Meade  did 
liberate  some  of  his  servants  to  emigrate  to  another  State, 
yet  at  no  time  had  he  any  scruples  as  to  the  lawfulness  of 
slavery.  At  a  later  period  of  his  life,  his  experience  and 
observation  led  to  a  change  in  his  views  as  to,  even,  the  ex- 
pediency of  emancipation.  When  he  was  consulted  on  the 
subject  by  a  clerical  brother  who  thought  of  following  his 
example,  he  advised,  as  the  most  humane  course,  that  if 
he  could  not  retain  his  servants  himself,  he  should  provide 
them  with  good  masters. 

For  the  abundant  and  useful  services  rendered  by  Mr. 
Meade,  he,  for  at  least  the  first  five  years  of  his  ministry, 
received  no  pecuniary  compensation,  but  depended  on 
the  yield  of  his  farm,  for  the  support  of  his  family.  "When 
at  last,  his  congregation  did  contribute,  the  amount  was 
not  appropriated  to  his  own  use,  but  by  an  arrangement 
suggested  b}''  himself,  distributed  to  aid  several  of  the  ap- 
proved measures  of  Christian  benevolence.  His  disinter- 
ested course  in  this  respect,  seems  to  have  been  misrepre- 
sented, and  unfavorably  construed  by  some,  or  there  could 
have  been  no  occasion  for  the  following  certificate  pre- 
served among  his  parochial  papers. 

"Before  Mr.  Meade  was  regularly  settled  as  a  minister  in  this  parish,  he 
thought  it  right  to  refuse  any  compensation  for  his  services;  but  after  he 
was  so  fixed,  and  officiated  regularly,  he  consented  to  receive  a  subscription, 
declaring  at  the  same  time,  that  no  part  of  the  money  resulting  therefrom 
should  be  appropriated  to  his  own  private  purposes,  but  to  those  of  public 
utility." 

Winchester,  7  July,  1816.  "  Alexander  Balmatne." 

(Senior  Minister  of  Frederick  Parish  ) 


78  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

This  arrangement  was  strictly  adhered  to,  for  at  least 
five  of  the  five  and  twenty  years  of  his  ministry  in  Fred- 
erick county,  and  if  he  subsequently  received  any  salary, 
its  amount  was  too  inconsiderable  for  record — not  a  moiet}^ 
of  what  he  expended  annually  for  benevolent  purposes. 

It  is  evident  that  Mr.  Meade  had  no  mis2:ivino:s  as  to 
the  jDropriety  of  the  usual  mode  of  clerical  support.  He 
knew  it  to  be  an  ordinance  of  G-od,  that  "  they  who  preach 
the  gospel,  should  live  of  the  gospel."  And  though  from 
considerations  peculiar  to  his  own  position,  and  others 
arising  from  the  circumstances  of  the  Church  in  Virginia, 
he  long  expressly  declined  any  remuneration  for  his  own 
labors,  yet  in  due  time  he  did  not  shrink  from  the  delicate 
task  of  expounding  to  his  people,  the  Scriptural  right  of 
the  ministry,  to  adequate  compensation  for  their  services, 
and  the  corresponding  obligation  of  the  laity,  to  make  suit- 
able provision  for  their  maintenance.  His  explanation  of 
his  own  course  is  brought  out  in  connection  with  his  views 
of  the  eifect  of  the  sale  of  the  glebes.  Had  they  been 
continued  beyond  "  the  lives  of  the  incumbents,  I  am  well 
persuaded  the  effect  would  have  been  to  perpetuate,  in  a 
great  degree,  the  same  kind  of  ministers,  and  seriously  to 
interfere  with  the  real  prosperity  of  the  Church  in  Yir- 
ginia.  It  has  been  well  for  the  Church  in  Virginia  that 
the  old  order  of  ministers  should  pass  away  altogether,  and 
that  a  new  set  of  young  men,  of  other  views  and  character, 
imbued  with  the  love  of  souls,  and  not  seeking  for  sordid 
lucre,  should  engage  in  the  work  of  resuscitation.  Nothing 
could  have  been  more  unfavorable  to  success  than  the  least 
plausibility  to  the  charge  of  seeking  the  priest's  office  for 
a  piece  of  bread.  Such  dishonor  had  been  brought  on  our 
Church,  by  this  disposition  of  her  old  orders  of  ministers, 
that  I  felt  it  a  solemn  duty  to  avoid  even  the  least  appear- 
ance of  it,  and  therefore  j^i'eferred  to  give  myself,  in  a 
great  measure,  to  manual  labor,  and  to  the  strictest  econo- 
my, rather  than  press  for  a  support.     During  the  twenty- 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  79 

five  years  of  my  ministry  in  my  little  congregation  in 
Frederick  parish,  my  salary  did  not  average  more  than 
$250  or  $300.  I  have  been  blamed  for  permitting  this,  and 
thereby  encouraging  a  criminal  neglect ;  but,  in  justice  to 
myself,  I  must  record  that  while  I  did  not  press  my  own 
claims  —  my  farm  yielding  a  support  to  my  family — I  ever 
distinctly  told  my  little  congregation,  that  I  should  expect 
them  to  do  more  for  other  objects.  And  they  have  always 
done  so.  According  to  my  calculation,  from  about  twenty- 
five  or  thirty  families,  composing  the  congregation,  there 
has  been  annually,  for  the  twenty-five  years,  at  the  end  of 
which  I  gave  up  the  charge,  not  less,  on  an  average,  than 
one  thousand  dollars  sent  out  of  the  parish.  Kot  only  this, 
but  since  the  congregation  was  called  on  to  support  a  min- 
ister who  needed  a  larger  salary,  it  has  contributed  in 
money,  and  otherwise,  not  less  than  one  thousand  dollars 
per  annum,  a  larger  amount  than  any  country  parish  in 
the  Diocese." 

That  "  one  thousand  dollars  sent  out  of  the  parish,"  is 
made  to  perform  a  double  part.  In  its  first  intention,  it  is 
the  salary  of  the  minister,  which  he  distinctly  declined 
applying  to  his  own  use,  and  then,  at  his  suggestion,  it  is 
sent  abroad  as  the  contribution  of  the  parish  to  benevolent 
purposes — though  in  reality  the  contribution  of  their  min- 
ister. It  operated  in  a  way  to  produce  a  pleasant  mental 
illusion  in  the  people,  as  if  they  were  both  complying  with 
their  obligation  to  provide  a  salary  for  their  minister,  and 
also  giving  liberally  to  extra  parochial  charities.  Mr. 
Meade  expresses  himself  satisfied  with  the  result  of  this 
arrangement.  Some  of  his  successors  in  the  Rectorship 
have  not  been  so  well  pleased  with  its  fruits. 

In  a  discourse  which  he  delivered  in  the  Stone  Chapel, 
on  the  duty  of  contributing  to  the  support  of  religion  and 
its  ministers,  he  expressed  himself  very  decidedly,  main- 
taining that  the  "  high  and  interesting  relation  "  between 
pastor  and  people,  "  was  instituted  by  Christ  himself,"  and 


80  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

that  the  laborer  is  entitled  to  his  wages,  by  a  divine  ordi- 
nance, which  every  Christian  should  esteem  it  a  privilege 
and  a  pleasure  to  obey.  He  referred  to  the  origin  of  the 
prejudice  against  this  arrangement,  which  had  been  so  ex- 
tensively prevalent  in  Yirginia,  and  to  the  injury  to  religion 
which  must  ensue,  unless  the  error  was  corrected. 

"  There  was  formerly  an  establishment  here.  When,  at 
the  Eevolution,  this  was  broken  up,  there  arose  various 
sects — in  each  of  these,  there  were  some,  with  more  zeal 
than  prudence,  and  more  bigotry  than  either  zeal  or  pru- 
dence, with  whom  it  became  the  fashion  to  revile  every- 
thing belonging  to  the  old  establishment.  The  clergy  were 
called  jpaid  preachers,  hirelings,  &c.  Then  others  wanted 
nothing  but  the  honor  and  pleasure  of  being  laborers  in 
God's  vineyard ;  till  at  length  the  people  have  generally 
been  persuaded  that  it  is  wrong  to  pay  the  ministers  of  re- 
ligion, and  the  consequence  is,  and  ever  will  be,  that  re- 
ligion has  suffered,  and  will  suffer,  except  this  be  altered. 
Its  ministers  are  forced  to  resort  to  every  shift  and  craft 
and  trade  to  support  themselves,  and  are  then  abused  as 
being  greedy  of  filthy  lucre.  This  is  generally  felt  and  ac- 
knowledged among  all  sects.  Except  there  be  a  decent 
support  for  the  clergy,  the  ministry  will  inevitably  fall  into 
the  hands  of  very  illiterate  persons,  and  others,  who  will 
be  obliged  to  connect  it  with  every  kind  of  trade,  with  the 
exception  of  some  disinterested  persons,  who  will  step  for- 
ward with  a  proper  zeal  to  uphold  the  cause." 

"  I  have  spoken  thus  to  contribute  my  part  toward  the 
diffusion  of  proper  sentiments  about  this  duty." 

He  proceeds  to  assign  other  reasons  for  addressing  his 
congregation  upon  this  subject.  "I  owe  it  to  the  religious 
character  of  this  society  to  state  to  them  their  duty.  I 
have  been  often  asked  whether  I  did  not  receive  anything, 
and  how  much,  for  my  labors  in  this  neighborhood.  Here- 
tofore, I  have  been  unable  to  answer  in  any  other  manner 
than  in  the  negative,  but  at  the  same  time,  have  stated  the 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  81 

reason  why  it  had  been  thus,  with  a  belief  that  it  would 
not  be  so  in  future.  It  is  evident  that  the  character  of 
this  society  would  suifer  injury,  from  such  neglect,  espe- 
cially now,  that  a  more  liberal  spirit  is  showing  itself  in 
many  of  the  old  congregations." 

"But  I  must  yet,  before  I  conclude,  make  known  my 
will  and  determination  with  regard  to  any  contributions 
that  may  be  made.  As  to  the  propriety  of  this  I  have 
had  my  doubts,  and  notwithstanding  I  shall  do  it, —  expect 
more  censure  than  praise,  both  here  and  abroad,  where  it 
may  be  mentioned."  "As  it  ever  was  my  intention  from 
the  first  dedication  of  myself  to  the  ministry,  to  require 
and  accept  compensation  for  my  services,  s©  it  never  was 
my  intention  to  appl}^  such  to  private  uses,  while  my  pa- 
ternal estate  was  sufficient  for  those.  I  have  never  yet 
seen  cause  to  repent  and  change  such  a  resolution,  and  do 
not  think  I  adhere  to  it  through  obstinacy,  or  vain  glory 
— at  least  I  have  prayed,  and  endeavored  to  think  right 
on  the  subject.  After  the  most  mature  deliberation,  I 
have  determined  to  make  known  this  on  the  present  occa- 
sion.    I  will  state  one  or  two  reasons  for  this": 

"In  the  first  place,  by  declining  any  private  appropria- 
tion, and  devoting  it  to  religious  or  charitable  uses,  I  can- 
not be  chargeable  with  more  ostentation,  or  be  suspected 
of  more  vain  glory,  than  I  have  been  guilty  of  for  the  last 
five  years,  during  which  time  I  have  received  nothing  and 
have  had  the  credit  from  some,  and  the  censure  from  oth- 
ers, of  laboring  gratuitously." 

"My  duty  to  you,  religion,  and  mankind  makes  me  re- 
ceive it,  and  my  wish  is  thus  to  spend  it." 

"  In  the  next  place,  what  would  be  the  construction  put 

upon  it  without  such  avowal  ?    Why,  that  heretofore,  from 

some  motive  or  other,  I  have  not  wished  it,  but  that  now, 

from  the  difficulty  of  the  times,  I  was  constrained  to  fall  on 

this  mode  of  subsistence.     Were  I  in  real  want,  I  should 

then  feel  it  to  be  my  bounden  duty  to  myself  and  family 
•   4* 


82  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

to  receive  it  for  such  purposes.     This  being  not  the  case, 
I  have  no  wish,  so  to  receive  and  use  it." 

"  When  I  compare  my  situation  with  that  of  my  breth- 
ren in  the  ministry  general!}^,  with  those  who  labor  much 
more,  and  have  a  bare  subsistence — out  of  fraternal  sym- 
pathy with  them,  I  am  strengthened  in  my  resolution  to 
grow  no  richer,  and  live  no  better  by  means  of  the  minis- 
try." 

The  benovolent  purposes,  to  which  he  proposed  to  ap- 
propriate the  contributions  placed  at  his  disposal,  were, 
"the  education  of  poor  and  pious  young  men  for  the  min- 
istry"—  "the  publication  and  dissemination  of  good  books 
to  help  the  labors  of  the  preachers  "  —  "the  distribution  of 
the  Bible  among  the  destitute "t— "and  to  carry  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  Lord  to  the  heathen  world."  For  these  ob- 
jects, with  the  exception  of  "the  distribution  of  the  Bible," 
there  were  no  societies  then  existing  in  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  in  America.  He  was  in  these  respects  in  ad- 
vance of  his  times,  and  destined  to  lead,  in  forming  and 
conducting  the  associations  subsequently  organized  for  the 
important  purposes,  which  he  commended  to  the  patronage 
of  his  people. 

Mr.  Meade  did  not  expect  to  escape  censure  for  this  ad- 
dress, or  to  secure  unanimity  in  the  action  which  he  advo- 
cated. 

"  I  well  know  that  this,  and  all  such  things,  will  be  con- 
demned by  a  nice  sensibility,  and  critical  refinement,  but 
I  well  know  that  this  same  sensibility  and  refinement  and 
fearfulness  of  censure,  prevent  many  things  from  being 
done  that  ought  to  be  done.  If  a  man  expects  to  be  useful 
in  this  world,  he  must  expect  to  be  suspected  and  misrep- 
resented. If  he  set  his  light  on  a  hill,  the  winds  will  blow 
it  —  most  prefer  to  hide  it  under  a  bushel.  There  are  times 
which  call  for  extraordinary  exertion  and  sacrifice.  Ex- 
amples must  be  set,  before  the}^  can  be  followed.  We  must 
neither  seek  the  praise,  nor  fear  the  censure  of  men.     We 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  83 

must  not  do  our  good  works  to  be  seen  of  men,  nor  omit  to 
do  them  in  the  most  effectual  manner,  through  fear  of  being 
seen.  But  what  am  I  saying?  good  works!  Alas,  all  our 
works  are  mixed  up  with  sin.  AYe  have  need  to  beg  par- 
don for  them  all." 

These  extracts  from  his  discourse,  defined  his  position,- 
and  explained  his  motives  in  a  manner  perfectly  in  keep- 
ing with  that  manly  independence,  and  self-den^'ing  gen- 
erosity, which  the  fitting  occasion  never  failed  to  manifest. 
Persuaded  as  Mr.  Meade  was,  that  the  Doctrine,  Sacra- 
ments and  Discipline  of  Christ,  as  held  by  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  were  according  to  the  commandments 
of  God,  and  having  solemnly  engaged  to  give  faithful  dili- 
gence to  administer  the  same ;  he  made  it  his  study  to 
teach  the  people  committed  to  his  care,  so  to  receive  and 
keep  them. 

"With  regard  to  doctrine,  being  well  assured  that  all  that 
is  necessary  to  eternal  salvation,  is  contained  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  it  was  his  prayerful  purpose,  and  effort,  to  de- 
rive from  that  sacred  source,  the  truths  on  which  he  relied 
for  ministerial  usefulness ;  and  whilst  he  was  faithful  to 
declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God,  he  was  careful  to  teach 
nothing  as  necessary  to  salvation,  but  that  which  might  be 
concluded  and  proved  by  the  same  infallible  authority.  His 
sermons  were  decidedly  evangelical  in  their  character  and 
free  from  the  sharpness  and  rigidity  which  result  from  strict 
adherence  to  theological  system.  With  the  analogy  of  faith 
and  the  law  of  proportion  as  his  map  and  metre,  he  was  se- 
cure against  serious  deviation  from  the  way  of  life,  and  in  no 
danger  of  misleading  those  whom  he  was  ordained  to  guide. 
In  presenting  doctrines  and  duties  which  were  unpopular, 
and  unpalatable,  he  was  not  dictatorial  or  denunciatory, 
but  parental  and  persuasive — -in  meekness  instructing 
those  who  opposed  themselves — and  "by  manifestation  of 
the  truth,  commending  himself  to  every  man's  conscience 
in  the  sight  of  God," 


84  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

The  irregularity  in  the  administration  of  baptism,  and 
the  carelessness  as  to  the  character  of  persons  received  as 
sponsors,  which  then  generally  obtained,  were  noticed  in 
connection  with  his  Eectorship  of  Christ  Church,  Alexan- 
dria. The  same  evils  prevailed  in  the  parish  of  Frederick 
county.  Here  also,  and  with  like  success,  he  addressed 
himself  to  their  correction. 

But  there  were  other  practices  very  popular  among  pro- 
fessing Christians,  and  sustained  by  a  kind  of  prescription, 
which  increased  the  difficulty  of  their  abatement.  Such 
were  the  fashionable  amusements  of  horse  racing,  card 
playing,  theatrical  performances,  and  balls.  It  is  not  sur- 
prising that  communicants  should  partake  of  these  demor- 
alizing amusements,  when  it  is  recollected  that  under  the 
Colonial  establishment,  many  of  the  clergy,  not  only  "  did 
such  things,  but  had  pleasure  in  those  who  did  them."  In 
these  practices  the  Church  and  the  world  were  generally 
so  identified,  that  with  rare  exceptions,  it  was  only  by  the 
parish  register,  or  at  the  communion  table,  that  professors 
of  religion  could  be  discerned.  The  ways  of  Zion  mourned, 
not  only  because  so  few  comparatively  came  to  the  solemn 
feasts,  but  because,  of  the  few  w^ho  came,  so  large  a  pro- 
portion "worshipped  the  Lord,  but  served  their  own 
gods." 

The  change  which  had  taken  place  in  the  character  of 
the  clergy,  and  in  the  teachings  of  the  pulpit,  were  prepar- 
atory to  an  improvement  in  the  deportment  and  spirit  of 
their  parishioners.  The  "  new  order  of  ministers "  who 
came  preaching  the  Kingdom  of  God  with  plainness  and 
power,  were  the  precursors  of  a  salutary  reform  in  the  sen- 
timents and  practice  of  those  who  professed  and  called 
themselves  Christians.  In  furthering  this  movement,  Mr. 
Meade  was  behind  no  one  of  his  brethren.  Of  the  manner 
and  result  of  his  efforts,  he  has  left  a  brief  notice : 

"  At  an  early  period  of  my  ministry,  I  took  my  stand, 
and  never  departed  from  it,  and  found  it  the  easiest  and 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  85 

best.  Some  of  my  young  communicants  were  going  from 
place  to  place,  from  ball  to  ball,  even  as  the  veriest  devotees 
of  j^leasure.  I  affectionately  warned  them  of  their  fault, 
but  without  effect.  After  due  time  and  deliberation,  I  wrote 
to  them  again,  stating  the  only  terms  on  which  I  could 
receive  them  to  the  table  of  the.  Lord.  It  seemed  strange 
to  them,  their  parents,  and  friends,  that  I,  so  young — that 
I,  who  had  been  with  them  at  the  dancing-school — their 
companion  from  childhood — their  relation  —  should  take 
such  a  step.  But  I  stood  firm  and  would  not  retrace  it. 
At  length,  one  after  another  yielded,  and  I  had  no  more 
trouble  of  this  kind  during  my  ministry.  The  same  thing 
occurred  in  relation  to  a  wedding,  soon  after  I  entered  the 
ministry.  At  a  place  where  I  exj^ccted,  and  had  a  right  to 
expect,  more  respect,  the  fiddle  and  dances  were  introduced 
into  the  room  where  I  was  sitting,  without  any  warning, 
and  my  retreat  for  a  time  intercepted.  As  soon  as  I  could, 
I  escaped,  and  ordering  my  horse,  (the  night  was  dark  and 
*  I  intended  to  have  remained)  went  several  miles  to  a  neigh- 
bor's house.  My  conduct  was  well  understood,  as  I  wished 
it  to  be,  and  I  have  never  since  been  thus  treated.  A  little 
decision  will  save  a  minister  much  trouble!"  "I  see  no 
cause  to  change  my  opinion  and  practice  on  such  subjects." 
The  course  thus  indicated,  was  not  the  action  of  a  mor- 
bid temperament,  or  of  that  adventitious  austerity  which 
is  often  produced  by  the  life  of  a  recluse,  whose  habits  dis- 
affect  towards  all  social  pleasures,  and  dispose  him  to  sus- 
pect evils  where  none  exist — or  the  effect  of  the  prejudice 
of  an  earnest  mind  occasioned  by  insufficient  knowledge. 
Mr.  Meade  was  naturally  of  a  genial  sjm-it — very  com- 
panionable— in  youth  fond  of  its  active  sports,  and  specially 
devoted  to  the  dance,  as  is  evident  from  his  college  letters, 
and  with  so  little  suspicion  of  any  impropriety  in  the 
amusement,  that,  in  one  of  those  letters,  he  playfully  pro- 
poses that  his  venerable  mother  should  take  a  few  lessons, 
to  benefit  her  health.     Now,  how  changed  in  his  views  and 


86  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

practice!  To  what  is  tliis  complete  revolution  to  be  as- 
cribed? He  had  become  a  new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus. 
Old  things  had  passed  away — all  things  had  become  new. 
The  letter  which  he  addressed  to  his  young  communi- 
cants, has  been  preserved,  and  it  furnishes  an  expression 
of  his  renovated  taste  and  judgment,  which  leaves  nothing 
more  to  be  desired  : 

My  Young  Friends  and  Parishioners  : 

I  trust  that  the  good  Spirit  of  God,  has  moved 
ms  to  address  you  in  the  following  friendly  admonitions  :  I  pray  it  may 
guide  me  throughout,  both  in  manner  and  matter,  and  also  incline  your 
hearts  to  receive  the  same  and  profit  thereby.  I  should  be  utterly  unworthy 
indeed  of  the  high  trust  reposed  in  me  by  Almighty  God,  I  should  be  crim- 
inally wanting  in  that  duty  I  owe  to  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  to  you  and 
your  parents,  as  professed  members  of  the  same,  if  I  were  to  see  and  know 
that  any  of  you  were  about  to  take  a  step,  or  were  living  in  a  manner  in- 
jurious to  your  own  souls,  and  dishonorable  to  the  character  of  religion, 
and  I,  not  to  endeavor  in  the  most  atFectionate  manner,  to  warn  you  of  the 
evil  and  persuade  you  to  avoid  it.  Silence  in  such  a  case,  would  not  only^ 
be  a  neglect  of  duty  but  actual  criminality.  I  cannot  suffer  such  a  sin  to 
rest  upon  my  soul. 

If  I  am  rightly  informed,  some  of  you  who  are  regular  members  of  that 
Church  in  which  T  minister,  are  about  to  enter  on  a  scene  of  gaiety  and 
revelry, 'utterly  inconsistent  with  those  solemn  vows  you  are  in  the  habit 
of  making  around  the  table  of  your  crucified  Lord.  By  that  act  and  those 
vows,  you  do  most  solemnly  separate  yourselves  from  the  world,  renounce 
its  pomps  and  vanities,  devote  yourselves  to  Christ,  to  lead  a  new  life 
in  His  service,  and  outwardly  incorporate  yourselves  with  His  Church, 
which  He  declares  is  not  of  this  world.  By  thus  joining  the  Church,  you 
impose  much  upon  yourselves,  and  God  and  man  require  of  you,  more  than 
of  others.  What  might  be  wrong  in  others,  becomes  doubly  so  in  you, 
who,  by  this  act  make  much  higher  professions,  calling  yourselves  Chris- 
tians. As  a  minister  of  the  Church,  I  also  am  more  particularly  bound  in 
duty  to  you,  and  should  leave  no  means  untried  to  persuade  you  to  do  all 
that  is  right.     Hence  this  letter. 

The  painful  feelings  with  which  I  enter  on  the  task  of  reproof,  are  only 
mitigated  by  the  hope  of  success,  and  the  consciousness  of  duty.  If  those 
to  whom  it  is  addressed  will  only  read  it  with  the  same  desire  of  being  im- 
proved, as  I  feel,  that  it  may  render  service,  I  shall  not  despair.  To  some 
of  those  who  intend  being  of  this  party  of  worldly  pleasure,  it  was  my  full 
purpose  to  have  arl  dressed  a  letter,  the  same  in  substance  as  the  present, 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  87 

immediately  after  their  visit  to  Winchester.  I  have  much  lamented,  and 
now  more  than  ever,  that  unavoidable  circumstances  prevented  the  execu- 
tion of  my  design  —  since  it  would  have  been  more  likely  to  have  produced 
effect,  than  at  the  present,  I  felt  much  mortified  and  distressed  at  that 
event,  which  all  serious  and  reflecting  persons  must  condemn,  which 
brought  dishonor  on  the  Church  of  which  they  were  members,  filled  their 
parents'  hearts  with  sorrow,  and  exposed  themselves  to  much  censure  and 
even  ridicule.  I  had  hoped  and  believed  that  their  own  mortified  feelings 
and  painful  reflections  in  consequence  of  that  strange  and  unjustifiable 
step,  would  have  been  a  sufficient  punishment  and  corrective  of  their  error, 
but  their  present  disposition  to  renew  a  course  of  conduct  so  unbecoming 
the  character  of  serious  Christians  and  communicants,  forbids  such  a  hope 
or  belief. 

I  cannot  therefore  suffer  another  occasion  to  pass  by  without  the  per- 
formance of  m}'^  duty,  and  begging  them  to  take  into  serious  consideration 
the  propriety  of  their  conduct.  I  do  not  ask  you  to  take  my  opinion,  or 
that  of  any  human  being,  but  to  carry  this  matter  before  your  God  and 
Saviour;  and  with  a  sincerity  and  earnestness  becoming  poor  weak  crea- 
tures, who  ought  to  "fear  always,"  and  "tremble  at  any  temptation;" 
ask  Him  if  you  can  go  on  in  the  course  of  life  you  are  leading,  and  yet  be 
safe.  Consult  the  spirit  of  our  holy  religion,  and  see  whether  it  allows  such 
a'  mixture  with  the  world,  and  such  an  enjoyment  of  its  vain  and  giddy 
pleasures. 

It  were  impossible,  in  the  short  comfjass  of  a  letter,  and  written  in  the 
very  limited  period  allotted  to  the  writing  of  it  to  answer  the  many  pleas 
which  the  world  offers  in  behalf  of  such  enjoyments,  and  to  enforce  the 
many  powerful  reasons  which  should  make  Christians  renounce  all  these  false 
ways  of  happiness,  and  avoid  all  such  alluring  temptations  of  Satan  In 
humble  dependence  upon  the  Divine  blessing,  without 'which,  the  most 
convincing  arguments  and  powerful  representations  would  fail  of  their  ef- 
fect, I  shall,  with  great  brevity  and  true  affection,  mention  a  few  reasons 
why  you  do  wrong  to  profess  and  call  yourselves  Christians,  and  yet  join 
yourself  to  the  world  in  its  unhallowed,  expensive  and  dangerous  dissipa- 
tions. 

In  the  first  place,  let  me  beg  you  ever  to  keep  in  mind  and  solemnly  to 
feel,  that  you  are  professors  of  religion,  and  of  a  religion  which  requires 
much  of  its  disciples.  The  author  of  it,  the  blessed  Saviour,  whose  obedi- 
ent servants  we  ought  to  be,  declares  that  he  came  to  save  us  from  this 
present  evil  world,  and  purify  to  Himself  a  peculiar  people.  He  declares 
that  His  disciples  "are  not  of  this  world  " — they  are  not  "conformed  to 
the  world,"  but  are  "renewed  in  the  spirit  of  their  minds,"  and  "  not  as 
the  world  give  I  unto  you,"  said  this  same  Saviour  ;  but  we  ask  if  the  gay 
assemblies  of  the  children  of  fashion,  the  dressing,  feasting,  idle  conversa- 
ion  and  bodily  gestures  performed  for  the  pleasure  and  admiration  of  men, 


88  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

is  of  this  world  or  of  God  ?    Are  they  suitable  to  the  character  of  serious 
Christians?     Do  they  agree  with  those  feelings  of  penitence,  that  confession 
of  guilt,  those  renunciations  of  the  pomps  and  vanities  of  the  world,  those   ' 
self-dedicaiions  of  themselves,  their  souls  and  bodies,  which  they  make  on 
every  reception  of  the  Holy  Sacrament?     Is  religion  a  mere  name  or  pro- 
fession ?  or  is  it  a  reality,  a  new  life?     Is  it  allowable  to  make  such  vows 
and  professions  with  our  lips  and  contradict  them  openly  in  our  lives  ? 
Should  we  not  fear  lest  God  should  apply  and  address  to  us  the  words  of 
the  Psalmist,    "What  hast  thou  to  do  with  me,  that  thou  shouldest  take 
my  covenant  within  thy  mouth?"     Be  assured,  my  young  friends,  religion 
is  a  serious  business  ;  it  should  not  be  trifled  with.     We  may  have  the  form 
of  godliness,  and  be  destitute  of  the  power  thereof;  we  may  have  a  name 
to  live,  and  yet  be  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins  ;  may  think  we  are  rich  and 
well  off,  and  yet  be  blind  and  naked  and  poor  and  miserable  in  the  sight 
of  God.     Such  I  cannot  but  fear  is  your  case,  when  I  perceive  you  so  anx- 
iously set  upon  the  vain  pleasures  of  the  world,  unmindful  of  the  high  vo- 
cation wherewith  you  are  called,  and  neglectful  of  those  superior  pleasures, 
which  God  is  ready  to  bestow  on  all  who  sincerely  seek  after  His  favor. 
The  inconsistency  of  such  things  with  your  character  and  profession  as 
Christians,  ought  of  itself  to  prevent  the  step  you  are  about  to  take.     This 
is  one  of  those  places  and  affairs  in  which  it  is  better  to  err  on  one  side  than 
the  other.     All  must  acknowledge  that  in  every  age  there  have  been  vast 
numbers  of  the  best  of  Christians  who  have  thought  such  places  and  amuse- 
ments improper  and  dangerous,  and  therefore  to  be  avoided  ;  but  none 
have  ever  considered  it  a  duty  to  go  to  them  or  a  crime  to  stay  away  ;  they 
have  never  recommended  them  as  a  good  school  for  virtue  and  true  piety  ; 
the  furthest  they  have  ventured  to  go,  has  been  to  allow  them  to  young 
people  as  being  not  sinful ;  saying  and  hoping,  that  as  they  grew  up  and 
became  more  serious,  they  would  leave  them  of  themselves,  out  of  a  prefer- 
ence for  the  more  solid  and  noble  enjoyments  of  religion. 

Now  it  should  be  the  rule  with  all  Christians  to  avoid  doubtful  places 
and  things.  The  salvation  of  our  immortal  souls  and  the  favor  of  our  God 
are  things  of  such  unspeakable  importance,  that  we  ought  not  to  expose 
them  to  the  slightest  hazard.  We  should  rather  throw  away  all  such 
pleasures,  which  none  will  contend  are  absolutely  necessary  to  our  exist- 
ence or  comfort,  than  run  the  least  risk  about  our  souls  Indeed,  we  are 
such  weak  creatures,  so  easily  overcome  by  temptation,  and  allured  by 
pleasure  into  excess,  that  we  should  fear  to  trust  ourselves  in  doubtful 
places.  "Lord,  lead  us  not  into  temptation,"  is  our  daily  prayer.  How 
can  we  use  it,  and  then  rush  into  the  snare  ?  We  should  recollect  that  the 
Scripture  says,  "He  that  doubteth  is  damned,"  that  is,  he  who  doubteth 
whether  anything  is  sinful  or  not,  and  yet  does  the  same,  is  condemned 
and  does  wrong  We  should  recollect  that  the  Apostle,  both  by  example 
and  preaching,  enjoins  Christians  to  attend,  not  only  to  what  is  lawful,  but 
what  is  expedient. 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  89 

Moreover,  my  young  friends,  what  a  poor  opinion  must  such  conduct  in 
professors  give  to  the  world,  of  the  joys  and  excellencies  of  religion,  when 
they  perceive  any  of  us  come  hegging  for  some  of  their  vain  pleasures. 
Well  may  they  say,  "What!  is  your  religion  so  poor  and  barren  that  it 
will  not  support  you  ?  Must  you  come  over  to  us  to  partake  of  our  short- 
lived pleasures?"  They  will  either  undervalue  the  pleasures  and  excellen- 
cies of  religion,  or  doubt  the  sincerity  of  those  who  profess  it,  and  yet  seek 
their  happiness  elsewhere  than  in  its  lawful  and  pleasant  enclosures.  The 
latter  conclusion  will  be  more  frequently  adopted  by  those  with  whom  you 
would  associate  on  such  occasions.  Yes,  be  assured,  young  ladies,  you 
not  only  lose  the  favor  of  God,  incur  the  censure  of  the  more  pious,  and 
destroy  the  peace  of  your  souls,  by  driving  the  Spirit  of  God  far  away 
from  you,  but  you  actually  sink  in  the  esteem  of  the  world,  when  you  pro- 
fess to  be  Christians,  and  yet  live  like  worldlings.  Whatever  you  may 
think  of  the  guilt  or  innocency  of  these  things,  the  men  of  the  world  who 
are  wise  in  their  generation  and  good  judges  of  consistency  of  conduct,  see 
a  manifest  contradiction  between  religion  and  worldliness,  and  they  often 
express  their  astonishment  at  those  who  thus  y t ;  the  more  evil  disposed 
triumph  when  they  can  get  a  professor  of  religion  among  them,  because 
they  know  that  thereby,  religion,  the  object  of  their  hatred,  is  disgraced; 
they  tauntingly  exclaim,  "Where  is  the  superiority  of  religious  people  over 
us?  they  are  as  fond  of  worldly  pleasures  as  we  are,  nay,  some  of  them  go 
beyond  us  in  their  excessive  fondness  of  pleasure."  "Oh  !  shame,  where 
is  thy  blush?" 

My  friends,  the  world  marks  our  conduct.  It  sees  you  when  weeping 
around  the  table  of  the  Saviour,  and  hears  you  in  your  solemn  vows  and 
renunciations  of  the  world,  and  sees  you  again  in  the  vain  dress  and 
fashion  of  the  world,  and  in  the  undignified  dance ;  it  hears  you  speak  in 
the  light  and  vain  language  of  mammon,  it  notes  down  the  same,  and  repeats 
it,  till  it  becomes  the  common  talk,  and  all  this  is  set  down  as  the  defect 
of  religion  —  religion  is  indeed  wounded,  cruelly  wounded  in  the  house  of 
her  friends.  It  is  not  an  enemy  that  hath  injured  her,  but  her  own  familiar 
friend  in  whom  she  trusted.  While  on  this  subject,  I  cannot  forbear  men- 
tioning to  some  of  those  to  whom  this  letter  is  addressed,  how  they  have 
been  the  frequent  theme  of  such  censure  and  laughter  —  their  fondness  for 
pleasure  and  dress  and  fashion,  and  its  inconsistenc}-  with  their  religious 
profession  is  the  common  talk  of  the  country',  far  and  near.  "  These  are 
they,  it  is  said,  who  come  from  the  bosom  of  a  society  reputed  to  be  the 
most  religious  and  domestic  in  the  State ;  these  are  they,  who  are  educated 
by  the  most  religious  of  parents,  and  here  they  are  traversing  the  county 
in  quest  of  worldly  pleasure."  My  young  friends,  these  things  ought  not 
so  to  be.  Very  few  indeed  are  there,  evcn.iu  our  own  Church,  who  think 
of  frequenting  such  places,  and  the  Holy  Sacrament  at  the  same  time. 

I  feel,  I  acknowledge  that  I  am  personally  much  mortified  at  this.    With 


90  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

what  unfeigned  pleasure  have  I  instanced  the  young  ladies  of  this  neigh- 
borhood as  proof  that  such  pleasures  are  not  necessary  to  happiness.  For 
a  long  time  they  seemed  to  have  lost  all  relish  for  them,  and  I  had  ho  ped 
that  they  had  formed  a  strong  and  durable  relish  for  the  pleasures  of  piety. 
How  disappointed  am  I  now  to  see  so  many  of  them,  turning  out  again  in 
defiance  of  every  argument  to  the  contrary,  and  seeking  their  pleasure  in 
the  vain  resorts  of  dissipation  !  But  I  will  not  despair  of  being  yet  able 
to  offer  them  as  examples  to  others,  and  of  seeing  them  amomg  that  com- 
pany of  amiable  and  respectable  young  women  who  have  voluntarily  given 
up  the  world,  and  chosen  that  good  part  which  shall  never  be  taken  away 
from  them,  and  those  noble  pleasures  which  will  ever  increase  in  brightness 
and  glory. 

There  are  two  arguments  usually  adduced  by  such  as  wish  these  things 
to  be  innocent,  to  which  I  would  make  a  brief  answer.  It  is  said  many 
good  and  pious  people  have  indulged  in  these  things  and  thought  them  in- 
nocent. With  more  propriety  it  might  be  said,  some  than  many.  It  is 
conceded  that  there  have  been  some  of  zeal  and  piety  who  have  occasion- 
ally lent  themselves  to  tilse  places  and  amusements,  and  not  considered 
them  sinful.  But  is  this  conclusive  proof  that  they  are  right?  A  greater 
number  of  pious  people  have  thought  otherwise,  and  would  it  not  be  safe 
to  take  the  opinion  and  follow  the  example  of  the  majority?  Besides,  are 
there  not  some  peculiar  seasons  and  circumstances  which  may  account  for 
the  opinion  of  the  few  pious  people  who  have  gone  before  us  ?  May  we  not 
make  allowance  for  a  dark  and  corrupt  age  in  which  they  lived  ?  for  a 
lukewarm  and  worldly  clergy,  who  were  themselves  to  be  often  found  at 
the  ball-room,  the  theatre,  the  horse-race  and  card-table  ?  Was  it  to  be 
wondered  at,  that  the  private  members  occasion  illy  visited  such  places 
with  such  sanction?  I  make  no  doubt  that  many  of  those  who  are  now 
quoted  in  favor  of  these  things,  would,  if  alive,  unite  with  Christians  in 
condemning  them ;  and  when  upon  earth,  and  in  the  occasional  practice 
of  such  things,  they  were  not  devoted  to  them,  their  hearts  were  not  given 
to  them  —  they  rather  complied  with  such  things  as  the  custom  of  the  day, 
than  sought  after  them  as  their  happiness.  If  truly  pious,  their  hearts  were 
fixed  where  alone  true  joys  are  to  be  found.  Now  suffer  me  to  ask  you 
plainly,  and  you  should  answer  the  question  candidly  to  yourselves,  "Is 
this  your  case?  Are  these  pleasures  only  secondary  and  indifferent  to 
you  ?  Is  religion  your  chief  concern  and  highest  happiness  ?  Are  your 
hearts  set  upon  righteousness  ?  Is  peace  and  joy  shed  abroad  in  your  souls 
by  the  Holy  Ghost?"  Oh  !  my  young  friends,  I  fear  you  cannot  answer 
these  questions  satisfactorily  to  yourself  or  to  God  I 

But  there  is  another  argument  by  which  the  young  encourage  themselves 
in  such  indulgences,  and  whic#from  peculiar  circumstances  of  delicacy,  it 
is  more  painful  to  answer.  It  is  the  permission  an  1  sometimes  the  wish 
of  parents.    Far  be  it  from  me  to  lessen  that  reverential  feeling  due  from 


MEMOIR   OP    BISHOP   MEADE.  91 

the  child  to  the  parent.  But  I  canaot  think  that  I  dishonor  my  revered 
parents,  because  I  may  think  God  and  the  Scriptures  think  and  speak  dif- 
ferently on  one  particular  subject  from  themselves.  Our  parents  are  liable 
to  err  as  are  others,  and  perhaps  under  ditferent  circumstances  they  also 
might  have  thought  otherwise.  We  should  examine  the  sacred  Scriptures 
and  endeavor  to  find  out  the  will  of  God  from  them  on  all  subjects.  But 
"what  is  the  present  case?  Will  any  of  you  say  that  your  parents  urge  you 
against  your  will,  judgment  and  conscience  to  go  ?  Do  they  not  merely 
permit,  fearing  lest  a  refusal  might  be  more  injurious  than  that  permission? 
Were  any  of  you  to  say,  ■ '  My  parents,  I  fear  to  go  —  it  is  a  place  of  pleas- 
ure and  temptation  —  my  happiness  is  elsewhere  —  it  is  contrary  to  my 
profession  as  a  Christian."  What  parent  would  urge  it  one  moment  longer  ? 
Lay  aside  these  false  excuses,  I  beseech  you,  for  God  will  not  accept  them, 
and  your  own  hearts  must  condemn  them.  View  the  naked  truth  that  you 
are  "lovers  of  pleasure,  more  than  lovers  of  God."  I  tremble  for  your 
situation.  You  are  going  on  in  a  course  of  life  which  I  fear  will  end  in 
everlasting  ruin.  You  are  loving  that  world  which  is  at  enmity  with  God, 
and  I  wish  to  persuade  you  to  turn  to  true  religion  for  happiness.  It  is 
the  want  of  its  true  enjoyment,  which  makes  you  seek  after  the  pleasures 
of  the  world.  "Were  all  men  happy,  revellings  would  cease."  "These 
are  the  sad  opiates  for  inquietude  within."  Oh!  then,  seek  to  be  truly 
happy  —  begin  at  once  to  enjoy  yourselves — devote  the  youth  and  prime 
and  vigor  of  your  days  to  the  God  and  Saviour  who  love  you  —  leave  the 
world  and  its  poor  fugitive  enjoyments.  "Lean  not  on  earth;  it  is  a 
broken  reed  at  best,  and  oft  a  spear ;  and  on  its  sharp  point  peace  bleeds 
and  hope  expires."  Lay  not  up  material  for  repentance;  be  not  among 
those  wretched  disappointed  creatures  who  cry  out  upon  the  world  ,7hen  it  is 
too  late,  ' '  Oh !  had  I  weighed  it  in  my  fond  embrace,  what  darts  of  agony  had 
missed  my  heart."  How  would  I  rejoice  to  see  you  turning  from  the  world 
to  your  Saviour,  and  with  your  whole  heart  seeking  the  peace  of  religion. 
Then  would  you  say  that  you  never  knew  happiness  before  —  then  will 
you  rejoice  with  a  godly  mirth,  and  the  world  and  its  pleasures  will  lose 
all  their  beauty. 

"As  by  the  light  of  opening  day 
The  stars  are  all  concealed. 
So  earthly  pleasures  fade  away, 
When  Jesus  is  revealed." 

Let  me  remind  you,  young  ladies,  that  you  are  only  pilgrims  and  so- 
journers upon  earth — you  must  soon  die,  and  appear  before  God  and 
Christ  to  account  for  the  manner  in  which  you  have  spent  your  time  and 
talents  upon  earth.  And  what  will  all  these  pleasures  avail  you  in  that 
day  ?  Oh !  how  will  one  hour  spent  in  the  service  of  God  outweigh  thous- 
ands of  such  unsubstantial  pleasures  !  You  may  be  very  soon  called  away 
from  these  things ;  how  soon,  God  only  knows  —  some  one  of  you  perhaps 


92  •  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

before  the  period  of  this  revelry  shall  arrive.  Are  you  ready  to  die  ?  Live 
then  in  such  a  manner  now  as  you  will  wish  you  had  done  when  you  come 
to  die.  Thinking  as  I  do,  how  could  1  have  said  less  to  you  than  I  have 
said,  or  less  plainl}^  ?  I  know  I  shall  have  your  approbation  at  one  time 
or  other.     I  wish  it  may  be  soon,  lest  it  should  be  too  late. 

Before  I  conclude,  I  must  once  more  refer  to  a  point  already  touched 
upon.  You  are  communicants,  To  take  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  is  a  serious  thing,  ought  to  be  done  seriously  and  only  by  serious 
people  —  to  such  only  can  it  be  consoling  and  serviceable.  So  far  from 
doing  good,  it  must  do  injury  to  any  not  rightly  disposed  in  their  hearts, 
and  correct  in  their  lives — to  those  who  eat  it  unworthily  it  is  condemna- 
tion. The  manner  of  life  you  live,  the  amusements  in  which  you  delight, 
I  must  ever  think  entirely  incompatible  with  a  worthy  receiving  of  the 
sacrament.  While  you  continue  to  partake  of  it  in  your  present  state  of 
heart,  you  only  encourage  yourself  in  a  false  belief  of  your  safety,  and 
suppose  that  by  uniting  with  Christians  on  such  occasions  you  will  be 
saved.  You  also  set  an  injurious  example  to  others,  and  bring  reproach 
upon  the  character  of  the  Church  of  which  you  are  members.  Let  me 
therefore,  as  your  friend,  relation  and  minister,  advise  you  to  relinquish 
the  one  or  the  other.  '*Ye  cannot  serve  God  and  mammon."  And 
though  I  may  not  feel  myself  justified  in  refusing  the  sacrament  to  such 
of  you  as  frequent  such  places,  and  love  such  things,  but  are  in  other  re- 
spects observers  of  the  forms  of  piety,  yet  I  must  say  that  I  shall  never 
administer  it  to  you  without  the  most  painful  feelings,  without  the  deepest 
regret,  and  the  most  perfect  conviction  that  you  are  eating  and  drinking 
unworthily  and  unprofitably  to  yourselves  and  most  injuriously  to  the 
church., 

I  wish  you  to  take  this  matter  into  serious  consideration,  and  before 
God,  and  by  the  help  of  the  Scriptures,  examine  whether  your  hearts  are 
right,  and  whether  you  ought  to  receive  the  Holy  Communion  under  such 
circumstances. 

Let  me  observe  to  you  that  there  are  how  very  few  indeed  even  in  our 
church,  who  ever  think  of  connecting  these  things  together,  and  the 
young  ladies,  before  they  come  to  the  communion,  bid  adieu  to  all  such 
scenes  of  gaiety  and  dissipation. 

And  now,  I  commit  this  labor  of  love  and  trial  of  my  ministry  to  the 
blessing  of  my  God,  and  pray  Him  to  impress  it  on  your  hearts  and  make 
it  to  bring  forth  in  you  the  fruit  of  good  living.  Say  not,  my  yo'ung 
friends,  that  it  is  now  too  late  to  recede.  It  is  never  too  late  to  do  what 
is  right.  Take  courage,  call  on  God  to  help  you,  and  dare  to  do  what 
religion  and  conscience  directs.  Let  not  the  fear  of  man  bring  you  into  a 
snare  :  break  off  boldly  now,  and  the  task  is  done.  You  will  no  more  be 
solicited.  Separate  yourself  from  the  world  —  walk  worthy  of  the  high 
vocation  wherewith  you  are  called  —  live  as  dignified  immortal  beings 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  93 

ought  to  live  —  be  not  satisfied  with  the  lower  gratifications  of  sense,  when 
you  may  enjoy  the  noble  pleasures  of  the  soul. 

I  have  thus  plainly  stated  to  you  my  advice  and  opinion.  I  hope  you 
will  receive  it  with  proper  feelings.  Let  me  beg  you  to  relinquish  your  • 
present  plan  ;  let  me  urge  you  to  substitute  some  other  pursuit  in  its  room. 
Instead  of  preparing  for  this  ball,  let  me  persuade  you  to  undertake  the 
serious  work  of  self-examination.  Let  me  persuade  ycu  to  try  the  pleas- 
ures of  religion,  and  when  the  day  and  hour  of  the  entertainment  arrives, 
spend  that  time  in  contemplating  the  pleasures  of  }  iety  on  earth  and  its 
glorious  rewards  hereafter.  I  think  you  will  never  repent  it,  but  on  the 
contrary,  ever  rejoice  at  it. 

And  now,  whatever  may  be  the  course  you  shall  take,  my  affection  and 
anxiety  for  your  souls  shall  be  the  same,  and  if  I  shall  suffer  the  mortifi- 
cation of  seeing  you  persist,  I  shall  lament  your  conduct,  shall  pray  for 
your  forgiveness  and  conversion,  and  live  in  the  hope  of  seeing  you  yet 
penitent.  Should  you  relinquish  it,  then  will  I  go  before  my  God  with  a 
glad  heart  and  offer  my  thanksgivings,  and  pray  that  this  act  of  self-denial 
may  be  the  first  step  to  your  thorough  establishment  in  true  religion. 
I  remain,  your  sincere  and  affectionate  friend, 

William  Meade. 

P.  S. — I  cannot  but  express  my  desire  that  each  of  you  would  take  a 
copy  of  this  letter,  not  because  of  any  peculiar  merit  of  style  or  senti- 
ment, but  as  a  memorial  of  my  friendship  to  your  souls,  and  desire  for 
their  welfare.  Though  it  might  fail  of  its  complete  object  now,  the  time 
may  come  when  you  may  read  it  with  other  eyes  and  other  hearts ;  or 
should  God  think  proper  to  call  me  hence  before  you,  it  would  remain  as 
a  remembrance  of  my  good  desires  toward  you. 

Some  few  seem  to  have  been  unmoved  by  this  tender  ap- 
peal, but  it  so  commended  itself  to  the  consciences  of  his 
parishioners,  that  the  changed  tone  of  sentiment,  together 
with  his  own  judicious  firmness,  soon  relieved  his  cure  from 
the  reproach  of  such  inconsistency. 

A  few  loose  leaves  of  manuscript  found  among  his  papers, 
endorsed  "  Card  Playing,"  contain  his  testimony  against 
this  pernicious  practice.  Although  the  record  is  fragmen- 
tary and  incomplete,  as  if  merely  made  to  aid  his  memory, 
when  he  deemed  it  proper  to  express  his  sentiments  in  pub- 
lic, it  needs  no  interpreter,  and  is  the  more  valuable  be- 
cause the  last  paragraph  was  penned  near  the  close  of  a 
long  life,  and  is  the  deliberate  annexation  of  his  testimony 


94  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE, 

and  seal  to  the  uniform  teaching  of  his  extended  ministry: 

NOTES  ON  CARD  PLAYING. 

"  "When  we  enter  any  society  we  are  bound  by  honor, 
not  only  to  obey  its  rules  according  to  promise,  but  to  pro- 
mote its  welfare,  and  have  reference  to  the  wishes  and 
ojnnions  of  its  members. 

Every  man  entering  a  society,  civil  or  religious,  gives  up 
a  portion  of  his  individual  liberty  for  the  public  welfare. 
Without  this,  all  is  confusion  and  anarchy.  The  worst 
days  of  Israel  were,  when  '  every  man  did  that  which  was 
right  in  his  own  eyes.' 

Besides  the  special  regulation  of  the  different  branches 
of  the  Church  of  Christ,  there  are  some  gre^t  principles 
and  laws  of  God  for  the  whole  Church. 

Whatever  we  do,  we  must  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God.  We 
must  in  love  and , gratitude  do  all  the  good  in  our  power — 
love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves,  and  not  tempt  him  by 
evil  example.  We  must  deny  ourselves — be  not  of  the 
world,  though  in  the  world  —  denying  all  ungodliness  and 
worldly  lusts,  living  soberly,  righteously  and  godly,  avoid- 
ing things  inexpedient.  Some  things  may  be  lawful  which 
are  not  expedient.  '  If  my  brother  be  offended,  I  will  eat 
no  flesh  while  the  world  standeth,"  said  the  Apostle.  Avoid 
the  appearance  of  evil,  and  let  not  your  good  be  evil 
spoken  of. 

We  should  join  with  the  minister  in  winning  souls  to 
Christ.  With  David  we  should  say,  if  the  Lord  forgive, 
'  then  will  I  teach  transgressors  Thy  way,  and  sinners 
shall  be  converted  unto  Thee.'  What  an  honor !  What  a 
privilege ! 

But  to  be  more  particular  :  What  is  it  to  renounce  the 
devil  and  all  his  works?  that  evil  being  who  rebelled 
against  God,  and  instigates  to  all  evil  ?  the  world,  with  all 
its  pomp  and  vanities  ?  the  flesh,  with  all  its  sinful  lusts  ? 
What  are  these  pomps  and  vanities?    Legion  is  their  name 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  95 

—  vain  dressing  —  theatrical  exhibitions  and  games  of 
chance  —  wasting  time  and  money — giddy  dances,  unbe- 
coming the  seriousness  and  penitence  of  an  humble  sinner. 

Our  baptismal  vows  are  not  intelligible,  except  thus 
construed. 

I  would  especially  emphasise  that  of  wasting  time  in 
games  of  chance,  a  most  fascinating  employment  to  the 
idle. 

Games  of  chance  in  every  age  have  been  condemned  as 
a  perversion  of  God's  institution — the  lot — a  sacred  ordi- 
nance for  the  decision  of  certain  questions  by  the  Lord 
Himself  '  The  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap,  but  the  whole  dis- 
posal thereof  is  of  the  Lord." 

If  the  history  of  its  perversion  could  be  written,  if  only 
of  one  year's  operation  throughout  the  world,  or  in  our 
land,  what  a  volume  of  sin  and  misery  would  it  be  ?  What 
waste  of  time  and  property  and  talents  ?  beggary  and 
wretchedness  of  wives  and  children  ?  Is  it  fit  for  the  sons 
and  daughters  of  the  Lord — the  redeemed — the  sanctified 
thus  to  associate  with  them  ?  The  testimony  of  more  than 
one  ruined  gambler  has  been  published  in  his  autobiogra- 
phy of  late  years  —  that  his  first  card  was  cast  in  the  com- 
pany of  professing  Christians,  who  taught  him  its  use  in  a 
game  for  amusement.  What  a  thought,  that  the  first  les- 
son was  learned  from  a  member  of  the  Christian  Church  — 
perhaps  a  parent,  a  sister,  a  wife.  Oh !  how  many  have 
bitterly  bewailed  the  consequences  of  their  own  example  ! 
Much  injury  is  thus  done  even  by  the  pious — the  greatest 
injury  by  them.  'It  was  not  an  open  enemy  that  has  done 
me  this  wrong,  but  mine  own  familiar  friend,  in  whom  I 
trusted.'     '  Wounded  in  the  house  of  my  friends  ' ! 

It  is  said,  'we  play  only  for  amusement,  ho  stake,  or  only 
a  barley  corn.'  Alas  !  how  mistaken  !  How  different  the 
actual  result !  It  may  be  a  stake  infinitely  more  than  the 
thousands  of  the  desperate  gamester  —  reputation  as  a 
Christian  professor.     Certainly  nothing  can  be  gained  — 


96  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

how  surely  something  lost,  even  in  the  estimation  of  the 
worldly  and  pleasure-loving.  And  may  not  something 
more  be  lost  in  injury  to  others  ?  '■  We  must  have  some- 
thing to  kill  time.'  To  kill !  to  murder  time,  the  great  gift 
of  God,  in  which  to  gain  an  eternity  of  glory.  '  Oh !  time, 
time!'  said  a  dying  man,  when  the  clock  struck  one;  'it 
is  fit  thou  shouldst  strike  thy  murderer  to  the  heart!' 

Is  there  nothing  which  can  give  life  to  time,  to  fill  it 
with  blessedness  ?  Where  is  the  Bible,  with  its  interesting 
varieties  of  style,  and  narrative  and  doctrine  ?  Where  are 
the  good  books,  of  which  the  world  is  full  ?  Where  are  the 
works  of  charity,  which  the  hand  of  a  Dorcas  was  wont  to 
do  ?  Where  are  those  domestic  duties  which  the  virtuous 
woman  of  Solomon  delighted  in,  and  by  which  she  excelled 
above  all  favor  and  beauty  ? 

Misery,  poverty,  shame,  and  ruin,  have  first  entered  some 
happy  family,  in  the  shape  of  a  pack  of  cards.  Little  did 
father  and  mother  know,  that  they  were  dealing  out  death 
to  their  children — training  them  up  in  the  way  of  death, 
instead  of  life.  Oh !  the  bitter  tears  which  have  been  shed 
by  some  wretched  wife,  some  broken-hearted  mother,  some 
father,  whose  gray  hairs  have  gone  down  in  sorrow  to  the 
grave;  some  promising  young  Christian,  who,  at  his  con- 
firmation, spread  joy  through  the  bosoms  of  minister, 
bishop  and  friends — perhaps,  shall  I  say  it?  angels  rejoic- 
ed over  him  for  a  time — but  as  angels  have  fallen,  so  have 
such. 

The  case  of  some  one  recently  mentioned  in  our  public 
papers — twenty-seven  years  an  ornament  to  the  Church, 
a  blessing  to  society,  his  house  the  abode  of  bishop,  clergy 
and  other  friends — but  the  fatal  bottle  and  the  cards — the 
first,  doubtless,  tasted  only  in  small  quantities — the  last, 
only  for  amusement,  perhaps  in  the  company  of  Christians, 
were  his  ruin — reputation,  property,  lost !  He  was  seen 
on  the  street,  all  mangled  and  dead,  having  been  cast  out 
of  some  gamblers'  den — hell,  let  it  be  called. 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  97 

'  He  that  despiseth  little  things.'  Time  is  a  very  little 
thing  compared  with  eternity,  and  yet  this  little  thing  mis- 
spent, is  an  eternity  of  misery.  One  small  spark,  one  small 
leak  in  a  vessel,  is  a  very  little  thing,  but,  oh !  the  confla- 
gration !     Oh !  the  shipwreck  ! 

Is  it  any  sin  for  children  to  play  with  fire  ?  Ought 
parents  to  do  it,  and  thus  lead  their  children  to  destruc- 
tion ? 

There  is  something  fascinating  and  overcoming  in  it, 
(card  playing)  as  in  taking  stimulating  drinks.  Danger 
is,  it  (private  play)  stimulates  and  prepares  for  public  use 
and  this,  for  something  else.  Ought  wives  to  do  it,  seeing 
so  many  have  been  made  wretched  by  their  husbands? 
Ought  members  of  the  Church,  seeing  what  evil  report, 
what  disgrace  in  times  past,  it  has  brought  upon  religion 
by  its  ministers  and  members  ?  How  many  gamblers  de- 
clare that  their  first  game  was  played  in  a  private  house, 
with  some  professor  of  religion,  and  for  mere  amusement. 
A  notorious  one,  in  his  memoirs,  says  this  of  himself  Is 
it  not  probable  that  many  such,  have  done  the  same  ?  The 
first  game  has  been  for  mere  amusement.  It  very  easily 
glides  into  gaming  for  some  slight  stake,  to  make  it  inter- 
esting. Then  it  increases  as  the  love  of  ardent  spirits, 
until  we  are  unhappy  without  the  excitement.  The  first 
cast  of  the  dice,  may  be  the  first  step  to  the  gambler's 
grave.  Touch  not  —  handle  not  the  dangerous  instrument. 
Beware  of  edged  tools  —  trifle  not  with  fire.  A  Christian 
professor,  who  engages  in  this,  will  soon  find  himself  in 
evil  company. 

All  professors  should  be  longing  to  do  good  to  others  — 
to  win  over  the  irreligious  to  Christ,  and  not  to  see  how 
much  worldliness  they  may  indulge,  without  forfeiting  their 
place  at  the  table  of  the  Lord.  Hinderers  of  religion  are  a 
very  injurious  class  in  the  world — lovers  of  pleasure — the 
lukewarm  —  the  servants  of  mammon.  "  Little  children, 
keep  yourselves  from  idols  " —  most  true  of  all  engrossing 
5 


98  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

pleasures.  Borderers  —  how  often,  dangerous,  unworthy 
characters  —  unhappy  —  unsafe  —  always  liable  to  be  en- 
trapped and  drawn  over  the  line. 

In  ladies,  especially  young  ladies,  how  evil  in  its  effects. 
If  they  go  thus  far,  use  them  in  their  chambers,  will  not 
the  young  men  use  them  in  taverns,  and  gambling-houses, 
those  dens  of  iniquity  ?  If  they  play  for  amusement,  will 
not  their  brothers  play  for  a  stake  ?  " 

Septuagenarius,  the  author  of  this,  was  travelling  through 
a  certain  part  of  Virginia,  once  the  seat  of  gaiety,  refine- 
ment, and  dissipation,  where  the  card  table  was  the  daily 
and  nightly  amusement-of  most  families.     He  passed  by 
house  after  house,  farm  after  farm,  and  enquiring  for  the 
families,  found  that  those  who  had  formerly  inhabited, 
were  only  remembe'red,  as  those  who  had  been.     The  older 
ones  had  gone  away  or  died  —  the  young  men  had  gambled 
away  the  property  and  died  the  death  of  drunkards,  and 
the  whole  society  was  changed.     The  card  table,  surround- 
ed by  some  at  first  for  amusement,  had  become  a  snare. 
In  forty  years  the  whole  society  was  changed. 
A  few  resolute  Christians  can  make  a  great  change." 
The  following  letter,  written  at  a  later  period,  to  a  par- 
ishioner on  the  subject  of  horse  racing,  completes  his  tes- 
timony against  the  fashionable  amusements  of  that  day. 
Though  the  practice  reprehended  is  now  comparatively 
rare  among  those  who  profess  and  call  themselves  Chris- 
tians, yet  the  letter  affords  so  admirable  an  example  of 
pastoral  fidelity  and  affectionate  interest  and  judicious  ad- 
dress, that  its  insertion  is  important  as  a  manifestation  of 
ministerial  character  : 

My  Dear  Sir :  Trusting  that  the  following  communication  will  be  re- 
ceived in  that  spirit  of  atfection  which  dictates  it,  I  take  up  my  pen  to  ad- 
dress you  a  short  letter,  on  the  subject  which  for  a  few  moments  engaged 
our  attention,  just  as  we  parted,  on  the  morning  that  I  was  last  at  your 
house  I  was  not  a  little  surprised,  and  yet  more  distressed,  to  find  that 
you  advocated  the  practice  of  racing  under  any  circumstances  or  to  any 
extent,  for  I  had  supposed  the  contrary.     Since  that  time  I  have  suffered 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  99 

what  I  will  not  attempt  to  describe,  from  learning  that  you  are  largely 
embarked  in  furnishing  the  instruments  for  this  (as  I  must  deem  it)  most 
demoralizing  occupation,  and  that  it  is  even  said,  that  the  regular  training 
is  not  dispensed  with  on  God's  holy  Sabbath.  In  regard  to  this  latter 
circumstance,  I  cannot  but  hope  and  believe  that  it  is  founded  in  mistake. 
I  have  accordingly  so  expressed  myself.  The  subject  has  not  been  out  of 
my  mind  for  many  minutes  together,  since  our  conversation,  and  I  am  sure 
you  will  excuse  a  minister  of  religion,  and  one  who  sincerely  desires  your 
welfare,  and  that  of  your  family,  for  unburthening  himself,  and  spreading 
his  grief  before  you. 

I  should  be  unworthy  of  the  high  trust  reposed.in  me,  were  I  not  to  seek, 
by  all  proper  means,  to  avert  evil  from  those  over  whom  I  have  the  slight- 
est spiritual  superintendence.  Let  me  then  address  to  you  a  few  words  of 
remonstrance,  as  one  holding  an  office  in  the  Church  of  God  —  as  a  father 
of  many  children — and  as  an  immortal  being,  who  must  soon  bid  adieu 
to  this  earthly  scene,  and  appear  before  the  tribunal  of  Omnipotence. 

And  first  let  me  say,  that  among  the  circumstances  which  encouraged 
me  when  undertaking  the  erection  of  that  building,  which  I  hoped  would 

prove  a  great  blessing  to and  the  country  around,  the  pleasure 

you  expressed  and  the  interest  you  took  in  it,  held  a  conspicuous  place.  T, 
in  common  with  many  others,  rejoiced  in  the  hope  that  a  better  day  was  at 
hand  —  that  order,  sobriety,  morality  and  religion,  were  about  to  re- 
ceive an  effectual  help  from  our  efforts.  The  officers  of  the  Church 
were  multiplied,  and  spread  over  a  large  surface,  in  order  the  better  to 
watch  over  its  interests,  and  promote  the  cause  of  religion.  Yourself  was 
requested  to  accept  the  place  of  vestryman,  and  consented  to  the  same. 
Now  I  pray  you,  my  dear  sir,  to  consider  what  influence  the  countenance 
you  give  to  this  practice,  is  calculated  to  have  on  the  cause  of  reagion,  and 
on  the  interests  of  that  Church  which  you  are  specially  bound  to  promote. 
The  Episcopal  Church  has  for  a  long  time  laboured  under  many  and  great 
disadvantages,  and  its  ministers  especially,  have  felt  the  heavy  pressure  of 
them.  Those  who  are  unfriendly  to  it,  are  ever  ready  to  hold  up  to  public 
view  anything  in  the  conduct  of  its  members  or  officers,  which  is  calculated 
to  bring  reproach  upon  it.  The  vestrymen  of  the  Church  will  be  regarded 
as  the  representatives  of  its  principles  and  character,  and  by  their  conduct, 
will  be  judged.  On  this  account  as  well  as  many  others,  I  confess,  I  feel 
deeply  concerned,  in  common  with  many  others,  the  best  friends  of  reli- 
gion and  the  Church,  in  this  parish.  And  what  considerations  are  there 
of  profit  or  pleasure,  which  can  for  a  moment  compare  with  an  injury  in- 
flicted on  religion?  Let  me  entreat  you  to  examine  this  whole  subject,  and 
see  how  far  your  example  may  prove  pernicious  to  the  whole  neighborhood 
around,  injurious  to  the  best  of  causes,  and  detrimental  to  your  own  repu- 
tation. I  confess  my  hopes  of  reformation  in  the  vicinity  of  the  three 
churches,  which  Providence  has  planted  in  this  part  of  His  vineyard,  are 


100  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

sadly  fallen  by  the  prospect  of  the  regular  establishment  of  this  species  of 
demoralizing  amusement,  which  is  so  universally  condemned  by  the  sober 
and  serious  part  of  the  community. 

But  I  must  address  you  in  another  and  most  affecting  relation  of  life. 
You  are  a  father  of  many  dear  children.  In  your  presence,  and  with  your 
consent  and  approbation  at  the  altar  of  God,  their  mother,  in  their  name, 
renounced  all  the  pomps  and  vanities  of  this  wicked  world  —  all  the  sinful 
lusts  of  the  flesh,  and  all  the  works  of  the  devil.  With  much  pleasure,  and 
in  the  spirit  of  prayer,  did  I  perform  this  act.  Let  me  beseech  you  as  a 
father  to  consider  whether  you  are  acting  in  conformity  with  that  solemn 
dedication  —  whether  you  are  consulting  the  best  temporal  as  well  as  eter- 
nal interests  of  your  children.  On  the  contrary,  are  you  not  lending  the 
influence  of  your  example,  to  that  which  has  proved  the  ruin  of  thousands 
of  the  youth  of  our  land.  One  need  only  travel  over  the  State  of  Virginia, 
and  enquire  for  the  descendants  of  those  families  which  were  once  devoted 
to  this  practice,  to  be  convinced  that  the  judgments  of  God  are  visited 
upon  it,  to  many  generations. 

My  dear  sir,  I  feel  a  lively  interest  in  your  family.  I  desire  the  eternal 
welfare  of  your  children.  I  know  you  love  them  and  wish  their  happiness. 
You  would  have  them  to  be  industrious,  sober,  moral,  and  1  hope,  religious. 
You  would  wish  them  to  associate  with  the  best  society,  with  the  most  ex- 
cellent of  the  earth — but  let  me  ask  if  fiimiliarity  with  the  practice  in 
question  and  fondness  for  horse  racing  is  likely  to  benefit  your  cliildren, 
and  make  them  all  that  you  would  have  them  to  be  ?  Oh  I  how  many  pa- 
rents have  been  brought  down  in  sorrow  to  the  grave,  by  the  misconduct 
of  children,  who  have  been  led  into  the  society  of  the  wicked,  by  an  early 
attachment  to  this,  and  other  species  of  gaming  !  With  a  view  therefore 
to  the  immortal  beings,  whom  God  has  given  into  your  charge,  let  me 
pray  you  to  give  this  subject  a  serious  consideration. 

And  for  your  own  sake,  my  dear  sir,  for  the  sake  of  that  never-dying 
soul  which  is  within  you,  I  entreat  you  to  enquire,  whether  this  is  not  a 
mode  of  increasing  an  estate,  which  a  bountiful  God  has  already  made 
abundant,  calculated  to  injure  your  everlasting  peace.  "What  shall  it 
profit  a  man  to  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  own  soul?"  I  have 
thus,  my  dear  sir,  very  hastily,  in  the  midst  of  much  duty,  preFented  to 
you  some  of  the  thoughts,  which  have  lately  agitated  and  distressed  my 
mind  As  a  minister  and  friend,  I  could  not  be  at  peace,  without  at  least 
the  effort  at  remonstrance.  I  hope  and  believe  you  will  justly  appreciate 
my  motive,  and  regard  this  as  an  evidence  of  fidelity  to  the  high  trust  re- 
posed in  me.  Such  remonstrances  have  sometimes  been  happily  successful, 
and  great  good  has  resulted  from  them.  My  prayer  to  God  is,  that  the 
present  effort  may  not  be  in  vain. 

You  have  it  in  your  power,  by  your  example,  to  do  much  good  or  evil, 
in  your  family  and  in  the  neighbourhood  around,  and,  holding  an  office 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  101 

in  the  Church  of  Christ,  to  promote,  or  injure  the  reputation  of  religion. 
Think  upon  the  evil  which  may,  and  must  result  from  the  continuance  of 
this  practice,  and  then  think  on  the  good  which  might  follow  the  trivial 
sacrifice,  of  that  whi  h  the  good  and  pious  of  every  age  have  condemned. 
Of  this  t'  ing  I  am  sure,  that  by  the  encouragement  of  racing,  you  can  do 
no  good  to  your  family  and  SQciety,  and  may  do  much  harm.  Whereas 
by  the  contrary  course,  you  will  secure  the  approbation  of  the  best  mem- 
bers of  society,  and  will  remove  any  occasion  of  censure  from  the  Church, 
which  is  alread}^  the  subject  of  conversation,  and  must  be  more  and  more 
so,  as  it  becomes  generally  known. 

Let  me  request  that  you  will  preserve  this  as  a  memorial  of  the  interest 
I  feel  in  your  welfare.  With  whatever  feelings  it  may  now  be  received, 
perhaps  the  hour  may  come,  when  more  solemn  views  of  eternity  present 
themselves,  and  when  the  heart  is  made  tender  by  affliction,  and  then,  if 
not  now,  you  will  feel,  that  this  letter  was  the  best  evidence  of  my  pasto- 
ral solicitude,  and  that  its  entreaty  ought  not  to  be  disregarded.  At  any 
rate,  I  am  sure  we  are  all  hasting  to  a  time,  and  place,  where  there  will  be 
no  difference  of  sentiment  on  the  subject.  There,  you  and  I,  and  your 
children,  and  servants  and  neighbours,  will  meet  before  the  great  Head 
of  the  Church.  God  grant  it  may  be  a  happy  meeting.  May  none  of 
your  children,  servants,  and  neighbours,  have  cause  to  lament,  that  they 
have  been  injured  by  the  practice,  to  which  you  now  lend  your  counte- 
nance. 

I  will  only  say  in  conclusion,  that  my  prayer  shall  be  ofifered  unto  God, 
that  he  will  convince  you  of  the  evil  which  must  result  from  that  in  which 
you  are  engaged,  and  that  you  may  rejoice  many  hearts  by  the  decided 
and  utter  condemnation  of  what  now  grieves  and  distresses  them. 
I  remain  your  sincere  friend  and  affectionate  pastor, 

May  2,  1831.  William  Meade. 

In  reference  to  the  fashionable  amusements  of  that  day, 
the  views  of  Mr.  Meade,  and  his  clerical  friends,  the  Eev. 
Dr.  Wilmer  and  the  Eev.  Mr.  l^orris,  of  Alexandria,  en- 
tirely accorded,  and  no  doubt  had  a  decided  influence  upon 
the  sentiment  and  legislation  of  the  Diocese  on  Lay  Disci- 
pline.    This  will  be  noticed  in  its  proper  place. 

(^Associations.') — It  has  been  stated  that,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  Mr.  Meade's  labors  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  that 
section  of  the  Diocese  was  almost  destitute  of  the  services 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  His  endeavors,  by 
occasional  itinerations  as  a  voluntary  missionary,  to  sup- 
ply in  some  measure  this  lamentable  deficiency,  resulted 


102  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE, 

in  the  restoration  of  some  parishes,  and  in  the  formation 
of  new  ones.  As  these  succeeded^in  procuring  their  own 
ministers,  he  found  himself  sustained  by  ^.T,  band  of  zealous 
brethren,  ready  to  co-operate  with  him  in  the  good  work, 
in  which  he  had  been  the  solitary  but  successful  pioneer. 
Still,  the  number  was  very  inadequate  to  the  extent  of 
territory,  and  its  dispersed  population.  To  provide  for 
this  lack  of  regular  service,  the  clergy  of  that  district 
agreed  to  meet  from  time  to  time  in  their  several  parishes, 
and  at  points  of  missionary  interest,  to  engage  in  a  series 
of  religious  services,  and  thus,  an  expedient  commended 
by  a  Convention  during  the  E})iscopate  of  Bishop  Madison, 
was,  for  the  first  time,  attempted  in  practice. 

One  of  Mr.  Meade's  co-workers  in  this  expedient  was 
the  Eev.  Benjamin  Allen,  afterwards  rector  of  St.  Paul's, 
Philadelphia.  He  was  singularly  suited  for  the  services 
which  this  measure  involved.  His  intellectual  powers  and 
attainments  were  not  extraordinary,  but  his  zeal  was  irre- 
pressible and  his  activity  untiring.  He  preached  often, 
and  wrote  much,  though  his  preparation  for  the  ministry 
had  been  hurried,  and  his  way  of  studying  was  always 
desultory.  He  was  wont  to  say  of  himself,  that  he  could 
not  endure  confinement  —  a  few  hours,  and  he  was  "like 
a  wilted  cabbage-leaf"  On  his  horse,  however,  he  was  at 
home.  The  saddle  was  his  study,  and  he  was  much  in  it. 
He  read,  aaid  meditated,  and  made  notes,  and  composed 
sermons,  as  he  rode,  and  was  ready  for  preaching  when- 
ever he  reached  any  of  the  many  places  where  he  was  ac- 
customed to  officiate ;  and  there  were  few  neighborhoods 
in  the  counties  of  Berkeley  and  Jefferson  which  he  did 
not  thus  frequent.  To  him,  the  recurrence  of  the  period 
for  the  meeting  of  the  brethren  was  a  festival,  and  by  his 
bright  spirit  and  animated  services,  he  contributed  his  full 
proportion  to  the  profit  and  pleasure  which  they  afforded. 

The  Eev.  John  Thompson  Brooke  is  mentioned  by  Mr. 
Meade  as,  at  a  later  period,  another  and  a  junior  member 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  103 

of  their  clerical  association.  He  was  born  in  Maryland, 
of  JRomish  parents.  He  was  educated  in  their  Church, 
and,  when  a  bo}-,  had  sometimes  acted  as  attache  of  a  priest 
in  the  pantomimic  evolutions  of  their  ceremonial.  When 
he  had  attained  the  proper  age,  he  was  entered  as  a  stu- 
dent (of  law)  in  the  office  of  the  late  Chief-Justice  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  who  at  that  time  re- 
sided in  Fredericktown,  Md.,  and  was  at  the  head  of  the 
profession,  which  he  adorned  by  his  personal  excellencies, 
not  less  than  by  his  eminent  forensic  ability. 

When  young  Brooke  was  admitted  to  the  Bar.  he  be- 
came a  candidate  for  practice  in  his  native  county,  and 
was  so  successful  that  he  soon  found  the  income  from  his 
business  sufficient  for  his  support.  Though  of  a  languid 
bodily  temperament,  he  was  of  a  verj^  jovial  spirit.  With 
a  keen  perception  of  the  ludicrous,  and  uncommon  powers 
of  humorous  imitation  and  song,  his  company  was  solicit- 
ed wherever  conviviality  was  proposed.  Both  his  profes- 
sional success  and  his  soul's  salvation  were  imperilled  by 
that  dangerous  faculty  of  administering  to  the  mirth  of 
others,  which  often  proves  suicidal  to  thp  light-hearted 
contributor.  But  in  his  case,  God,  who  is  "rich  in  mercy" 
and  often  leads  by  a  way  which  we  know  not,  was  pleased 
to  order  it  otherwise.  In  His  gracious  providence  3'oung 
Brooke  was  prompted  by  mere  feelings  of  companionship 
to  attend  service  in  a  Protestant  church.  There,  unknown 
by  any  of  the  congregation,  the  AYord  preached  was  sent 
with  awakening  power  to  his  heart.  The  next  morning, 
he  was  alone  with  the  pastor  in  his  study,  earnestly  en- 
quiring, ''AVhat  must  I  do  to  be  saved?"  A  mind  thus 
wrought  upon  by  the  Holy  Ghost  is  not  usually  slow  to 
perceive  the  suitableness  and  sufficiency  of  the  provision 
set  forth  in  the  Gospel,  or  to  appropriate  it  when  known ; 
and  one  of  the  earliest  desires  connected  with  this  experi- 
ence is  to  bring  others  to  Christ.  This  desire  soon  and 
powerfully  possessed  the  soul  of  the  new  convert  to  the 


104  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

faith  of  the  Gospel.  His  oi^portunity  as  a  layman  did  not 
satisfy  his  longing  spirit.  Believing  that  he  could  be  more 
efficient  in  the  ministry,  he  relinquished  the  Law  and  be- 
came a  student  of  Theology,  in  the  Alexandria  Seminary, 
where  he  completed  the  prescribed  course,  and  Avas  admit- 
ted to  Holy  Orders. 

From  the  hour  of  Mr.  Brooke's  conversion,  the  reality 
was  strikingly  indicated  by  the  outward  and  visible  change 
in  his  manner  of  life.'  Never  afterwards  did  he,  even  in 
private  intercourse  with  his  familiar  friends,  indulge  those 
powers  which  had  previously  rendered  him  so  attractive 
in  worldly  society.  The  transition,  however,  was  not  from 
gaiety  to  gloom,  but  to  an  habitual  sobriety,  perfectly 
compatible  with  cheerfulness,  and  with  the  exercise  and 
enjoyment  of  all  the  pure  charities  of  the  social  relations. 
Thus  chastened  and  refined  by  grace,  he  consecrated  his 
gifts  and  acquirements  to  the  ministry  of  reconciliation, 
and  became  an  able  and  faithful  preacher  of  the  Gospel, 
sound  in  his  teaching  and  of  exemplary  walk  and  conver- 
sation. His  mode  of  preparing  his  sermons  was  peculiar. 
His  custom  was  to  think  them  out  carefully,  even  to  the 
very  language,  and  memorize  them  accurately  as  thus  com- 
posed, and  then  he  was  able,  without  having  committed 
them  to  writing,  to  deliver  them  with  as  much  precision 
as  if  he  read  from  a  manuscript,  and  with  all  the  freedom 
and  impressiveness  of  extempore  address.  His  first  par- 
ish included  the  churches  at  Martinsburg  and  Hedgesville. 
Both  there  and  in  other  more  extended  spheres,  to  which  he 
was  subsequently  called,  his  labors  were  blessed  with  much 
usefulness,  till  he  fulfilled  his  ministry  and  entered  upon 
his  reward.  This  sketch  is  due  to  the  memory  of  one  who 
is  named  by  Mr.  Meade  as  a  member  of  their  Association, 
and  who  rendered  valuable  aid  in  the  revival  and  exten- 
sion of  the  Church  in  the  Yalley. 

Mr.  Meade  has  left  on  record  his  brief  but  decided  tes- 
timony in  favor  of  Associations.     "  We  assembled  gener- 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  105 

ally  in  each  other's  parishes  —  having  meetings  among 
ourselves,  and  at  private  houses,  for  special  praj^er  —  tak- 
ing up  collection^  for  missionaries  in  the  Western  part  of 
Yirginia.  The  first  two  who  went  to  Virginia  beyond  the 
AUeo-hanies  —  the  Rev.  Charles  Pag-e  and  the  Rev.  William 
Lee,  were  sent  out  by  our  Society.  These  Associations 
were  attended  by  much  good,  and  no  evil,  so  far  as  I  know, 
and  believe.  I  have  ever  encouraged  them  since  entering 
the  Episcopate.  Bishop  Moore  did  the  same,  before  and 
after  that  time,  as  being  important  auxiliaries  to  Bishops, 
especially  in  large  dioceses.  I  regard  it  as  an  evil  omen 
when  ministers  favorably  situated,  are  averse  to  such 
meansof  their  own,  and  their  people's  improvement,  though 
I  do  not  mean  to  say,  that  there  are  not  some  good  and 
pious  men,  who  regard  them  in  a  different  light."  (Old  C, 
M.  and  F.,  vol.  I,  p.  42.) 

A  country  clergyman  with  two  or  three,  and  sometimes 
four  churches  under  his  care,  and  officiating  in  them  in 
rotation  on  Sunday  on]3\  necessarily  labors  to  great  disad- 
vantage. If  the  weather  or  any  other  cause,  interferes 
with  his  appointment,  then  an  interval  of  four,  six,  or  eight 
weeks,  passes  without  service  in  that  congregation.  When 
ministrations  are  so  rare,  the  instructions  from  the  pulpit 
must  be  very  limited.  If  on  any  occasion,  its  stirring  ap- 
peals to  the  heart  and  conscience,  prove  awakening,  the 
impression  is  apt  to  disappear,  before  another  opportunity, 
or,  in  the  absence  of  the  teacher  preferred,  the  anxious  in- 
quirer seeks  counsel  of  others,  and  is  liable  to  be  led  off, 
and  lost  to  the  Church  in  which  he  was  roused  to  consid- 
eration. The  quarterly  association  secured  to  each  parish, 
in  addition  to  its  stated  services,  a  series  of  ministrations, 
conducted  daily  and  for  several  da3'S  in  succession,  and 
thus  provided  in  some  measure,  precisely  what  was  needed. 
The  interest  manifested  by  the  clergy  extended  to  the 
people.  Large  congregations  assembled.  Persons  not 
often  seen  in  religious  meetings,  were  attracted  to  these, 
5* 


106  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

and  SO  brought  under  the  influence  of  the  Grospel,  both 
during  the  public  administrations  and  during  the  intervals 
of  service,  in  personal  intercourse  with  ministers  and  other 
Christians.  Their  minds  were  thus,  under  very  favorable 
circumstances,  and  for  an  unusual  length  of  time,  kept  in 
contact  Avith  divine  truth,  and  any  religious  concern  pro- 
duced, instead  of  being  dissipated  at  the  close  of  the  single 
service,  was  often,  by  the  succession  of  services,  cherished 
and  matured  into  abiding  piety.  Wherever  these  meet- 
ings were  held,  salutary  results  were  witnessed.  The 
"association,"  which  is  still  conducted  under  the  more 
Church-like  name  of  "  Convocation,"  became  the  popular 
usage  of  the  Diocese,  and  not  a  few  of  the  members  of  the 
Church  in  Yir^-inia  trace  their  first  decided  relis^ious  im- 
pressions  to  these  meetings,  and  testify  to  their  instru- 
mentality in  forming  and  advancing  their  Christian  char- 
acter. JSTor  were'the  people  the  only  gainers.  The  clergy 
in  attendance  derived  profit  and  pleasure  from  these  asso- 
ciations. Confined  to  their  regular  parishes,  and  isolated 
from  their  brethren  except  during  the  few  days  of  their 
annual  Convention,  there  is  danger  of  losing  that  exjoan- 
sion  of  spirit  and  activity,  which  the  Great  Commission 
enjoins,  and  of  becoming  contracted  into  parochial,  if  not 
personal  selfishness.  The  generous  esprit  du  corps  degene- 
rates into  religious  egoism.  Shut  out  from  that  profes- 
sional companionship  which  promotes  individual  improve- 
ment by  the  opportunity  it  afi'ords  to  take  knowledge  of 
those  whose  example  shows  a  more  excellent  way  by  an- 
imating to  increased  endeavor  for  higher  attainments  in 
the  divine  life,  and  more  devoted  and  efficient  zeal  in  the 
Master's  service,  the  parish  minister  is  liable  to  acquiesce 
with  satisfaction  in  his  own  measure,  and  plod  on  in  the 
routine  of  his  official  services,  in  unsuspecting,  though  de- 
teriorating self-complacency.  "  The  association  "  by  aff'ord- 
ing  the  clerical  brethren  frequent  opportunities  for  bene- 
fitting by  each  other's  services  in  the  desk  and  the  pulpit 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  107 

—  for  comparing  experience  in  reference  to  the  difficulties, 
and  the  helps  in  their  parochial  duties — for  consultation 
as  to  the  means  of  increasing  their  usefulness,  and  for  the 
extension  of  the  Gospel — for  prayer  with,  and  for  each 
other,  and  for  their  people — provided  a  happy  counter- 
active to  the  evils  described,  and  an  excellent  expedient 
for  promoting  personal  piety,  and  professional  efficacy — 
for  strengthening  the  blessed  bond  of  clerical  brotherhood, 
and  kindling  to  greater  zeal  the  spirit  of  evangelization. 
Such  has  been  the  uniform  testimony  of  those  who  have 
availed  themselves  of  its  advantages.  It  is  to  be  hoped 
that  a  usage,  which  has  almost  become  an  institution  of 
the  Church  in  Virginia,  will  be  perpetuated,  and  under  the 
Divine  favor,  perpetuate  and  extend  the  rich  blessings  of 
which  it  has,  been  productive. 

{Death  of  hi s  Mother.)-  The  mother  of  Mr.  Meade  was 
still  living,  when  he  resumed  his  connection  with  his  par- 
ish in  Frederick  county.  She  was  spared  to  see,  in  his 
piety,  influence,  and  growing  usefulness,  a  most  satisfac- 
tory answer  to  her  unceasing  prayers,  and  to  receive  a  rich 
reward  for  the  excellent  example,  judicious  counsel,  and 
firm  but  loving  discipline,  by  which,  under  God's  blessing, 
he  had  become  a  son  worthy  of  such  a  mother.  His  filial 
affection  and  reverence  were  unsurpassed,  and  the  event 
of  her  death,  which  occurred  on  the  16th  of  June,  1813,  in 
her  sixtieth  year,  pierced  his  manly  breast  Avith  such  sor- 
row, as  he  had  never  felt  before.  There  was  indeed  every- 
thing, of  Avhich  the  nature  of  the  bereavement  admits,  to 
sustain  and  solace  him  in  his  affliction.  But  it  was  deep 
and  abiding.  The  loss  of  a  beloved  mother  sunders  a  liga- 
ment of  such  exquisite  delicacy  and  tenderness,  that  though 
the  wound  may  cease  to  bleed,  its  sensibility  remains  through 
life,  and  the  suffering  is  often  renewed  under  the  pressure 
of  memories,  which,  though  they  re-produce  the  sorrow, 
are  too  sacred  and  salutary  to  be  resisted. 

A  manuscript  was  found  among  Mrs.  Meade's  papers, 


108  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

containing  two  prayers  which  she  composed  and  used  pri- 
vately for  years,  also  a  letter  of  advice  to  her  children,  de- 
signed for  their  benefit  after  her  decease.  These  papers 
are  given  as  intimately  connected  with  the  biography  of 
her  son,  and  as  a  pattern  for  pions  mothers,  who  desire  to 
be  found  faithful  in  the  performance  of  parental  duty : 

1.  {Prayer  for  Herself.) — "  Thou  art  my  Creator,  Oh,  my 
God !  and  Protector.  Thou  are  the  ultimate  end  of  my 
being  and  supreme  perfection  of  my  nature.  Under  the 
shadow  of  Thy  wings  is  perpetual  repose,  and  from  the 
light  of  Thy  countenance  flow  eternal  joy  and  felicity. 
Grant  me.  Oh !  blessed  Judge  of  angels  and  men,  this  feli- 
city, and  not  only  me,  but  the  whole  of  the  human  race. 
I  beseech  Thee  to  look  upon  my  infirmities  and  i)ity  my 
weakness,  and  give  me  those  things,  which  ^hj  wisdom 
sees  proper  for  me.^  Give  me  such  a  portion  of  Thy  grace 
as  may  influence  my  heart  to  an  humble  imitation  of  my 
divine  Redeemer  and  Advocate.  Let  the  perfections  of  my 
mind  be  my  first  and  great  concern,  but  after  I  have  ex- 
erted my  best,  though  feeble  endeavors,  let  me  rel}^  only 
on  Thy  mercy.  Let  this  divine  attribute,  so  necessary 
for  man,,  be  ever  present  with  me,  and  make  me  as  ready 
to  forgive,  as  to  ask  forgiveness.  Grant  me  to  make  every 
duty  my  delight,  and  to  be  afilicted  only  with  my  crimes. 
Make  me  to  fulfil  the  duties  of  wife,  mother,  friend  and 
mistress,  most  faithfully.  Let  Thy  wisdom  direct  my  in- 
tentions, and  Thy  blessing  be  upon  all  my  actions.  Ee 
my  God  forever  and  ever,  my  guide  even  unto  death.  I 
ask  it  through  the  merits  of  my  crucified  Redeemer,  in 
whose  incomparable  words  I  pray  to  be  further  heard. 
Our  Father,"  &c, 

2.  {A  Frayerfor  Grace  to  perform  her  Duty  to  her  Children.) 
— "  Give  me  wisdom,  Oh  !  great  Creator,  to  discharge  my 
duty  as  a  parent  most  faithfully.  Teach  me  to  form  the 
minds  of  my  children  to  virtue  —  to  train  them  up  in  the 
love  of  infinite  wisdom  and  mercy.     Grant  them  docility  of 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP  MEADE.  109 

temper  which  may  make  the  instructions  of  a  fond  parent 
their  delight.-  Teach  me  to  arrange  instruction  and  amuse- 
ment in  such  due  order,  as  may  produce  a  succession,  both 
pleasing  and  beneficial.  May  they  have  engraven  on 
their  hearts,  every  virtue  —  truth,  justice,  mercy,  humility 
and  charity,  in  thought,  word  and  deed.  Make  them  wise 
as  serpents,  and  harmless  as  doves..  If  Thy  wisdom  sees 
proper,  blees  the  endeavours  of  their  affectionate  parents, 
to  make  such  provision  for  them,  as,  with  their  own  care 
and  attention,  may  enable  them  to  pass  through  life  with 
comfort  to  themselves  and  the  happiness  of  assisting  pas- 
sengers less  fortunate.  If  Thou  seest  contrary.  Oh  !  great 
Creator,  Thy  will  be  done.  I  will  with  the  assistance  of 
Thy  divine  power,  endeavour  to  make  it  mine." 

Amen.     Amen.  Mary  Meade. 

3.  (Advice  to  her  Children.) — "From  your  earliest  infancy, 
my  dear  children,  I  have  endeavored  to  train  you  up  in  the 
paths  of  virtue,  to  make  you  sensible  of  your  dependence  on 
your  Creator,  Protector,  and  continual  Benefactor,  under 
the  shadow  of  whose  wings,  is  perpetual  repose,  and  from 
the  light  of  whose  countenance  flows  eternal  joy  and  felicity. 
May  truth,  justice,  mercy,  humility  and  charity,  in  thought, 
word,  and  deed,  to  the  whole  race  of  mankind,  be  practiced 
by  you  with  delight.  Think  not  either,  or  all  of  these  de- 
sirable virtues  difficult  to  attain.  Applj'  but  to  the  foun- 
tain of  all  wisdom  and  goodness,  with  a  sincere  and  deter- 
mined resolution  to  exert  your  utmost  endeavors  to  obtain 
them,  and  all  will  be  easy.  Your  tender  affection  and  love 
for  each  other,  I  have  often  remarked  with  tears  of  delight. 
Continue  this  happy  union,  my  beloved  children,  and  let  the 
loss  of  an  affectionate  parent,  bind  you  more  firmly  to  each 
other.  You  are  young  and  frail,  and  consequently  an  un- 
interrupted state  of  harmony  is  not  expected  to  subsist 
between  you,  but  endeavour  to  come  as  near  it  as  possible. 
Strive,  each  succeeding  day,  to  make  progress  in  conquer- 
ing a  propensity  to  dispute  with  each  other.     The  eldest, 


110  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

I  hope,  will  set  the  example.  Never  glory  in  getting  the 
victory  in  a  dispute.  It  is  false  glory,  for  disputes  gener- 
ally arise  from  the  most  trivial  causes.  Glory  rather  in 
getting  the  command  of  j-our  passion.  This,  is  product- 
ive of  every  good  —  it  ensures  the  approbation  of  infinite 
wisdom,  of  your  own  mind,  and  of  the  virtuous  part  of 
mankind.  Think  for  a  moment,  before  your  passions  get 
to  an  unjustifiable  height,  and  impose  on  j^ourself  the  task 
of  silence.  This  done,  reflection  will  follow,  and  I  hope 
there  are  none  of  you,  but  are  blessed  with  such  disposi- 
tions, as  will  feel  more  joy  in  forgiving  an  injury  than  in 
triumphing  over  an  adversary.  This  victory  obtained,  I 
must  caution  you  against  an  error  which  may  be  the  conse- 
quence of  it.  The  result  of  a  virtuous  action  must  be 
self-approbation,  but  let  not  this  degenerate  into  vanity — 
an  error  common  to  mortals,  and  which  oui>:ht  therefore 
carefully  to  be  guarded  against,  for  it  is  not  only  contrary 
to  the  precept  and  example  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  but 
disij-ustino;  to  man  —  the  bri<>:htest  virtues  are  tarnished 
by  it,  and  lose  considerably  their  lustre.  "Pride  was  not 
made  for  man  " — therefore,  my  children,  if  you  are  happy 
enough  to  place  your  whole  aim  and  ambition  in  virtue, 
and  are  conscious  that  you  possess  it,  in  some  points,  su- 
perior to  your  fellow  mortals,  let  it  not  cause  you  to  look 
on  others  with  contempt.  God,  w4jo  only  knows  the 
heart  of  man,  may  see  in  them  virtues  which  your  pene- 
tration cannot  discover,  and  though  they  may  be  wanting 
in  what  you  excel  in,  they  may  possess  qualities  of  a  higher 
dignity,  particu'arly  if  adorned  with  humility.  Should  it 
be  your  fate  to  be  separated,  let  it  not  diminish  your  affec- 
tion for  each  other.  Let  a  constant  correspondence  subsist 
between  you,  in  wiiich  you  must  communicate  in  the  ten- 
derest  terms,  the  defects  you  may  hear  ascribed  to  each 
other.  This  is  a  nice  and  delicate  point,  but  certainly  one 
of  the  first  proofs  of  friendshijD.  To  them  alone,  let  the 
subject  be  mentioned,  nor  ever  deceive  yourselves  or  oth- 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  Ill 

ers  by  supposing  you  participate  in  the  injustice  done  a 
friend  or  fellow  mortal,  by  calumny  or  detraction,  while 
you  with  ease  or  indifference,  make  it  the  subject  of  com- 
mon conversation.  Ere  I  say  adieu,  let  me  once  more  en- 
treat 3'ou  to  be  kind  and  affectionate  to  your  fond  father, 
and  other  kind  benefactors,  and  be  united  in  the  strictest 
bonds  of  harmony  as  brothers  and  sisters.  Let  those  to 
whom  Heaven  has  been  most  bountiful,  bear  with  the 
weakness  of  the  younger  or  inferior.  How  delightful  the 
reflection  to  have  reformed  perhaps  a  fro  ward  brother  or 
sister,  by  lenity,  praj'er  and  rectitude  of  conduct.  A  few 
more  lines,  and  then  farewell.  They  relate  to  your  beha- 
viour to  domestics.  From  your  earliest  infancy,  my  dear 
children,  I  have  taught  you  to  treat  them  with  compla- 
cency, kindness  and  humanity.  This  I  must  forever  just- 
ify, but  positively  forbid  familiarity  with  them.  Never 
will  you  be  respected  by  them,  if  you  make  companions 
of  them.  Adieu,  my  children,  and  let  the  following  lines 
be  a  rule  for  your  conduct.  Never  think  a  thought,  speak 
a  word,  or  do  a  deed,  but  what  you  may  be  safe  in  setting 
about,  with  these  words :  '  Oh  !  G-od,  my  Maker  and  Judge, 
I  do  not  forget  that  Thou  art  witness  to  w^hat  I  am  doing." 
Heaven  preserve  and  direct  you  to  His  divine  presence, 
most  fervently  prays  your  affectionate  mother, 

Mary  Meade." 

Such  were  the  prayers  during  life,  and  such  the  posthu- 
mous address  of  the  sainted  mother,  to  whose  hallowed  in- 
fluence on  her  son,  the  Church  is  indebted  for  blessings, 
the  extent  of  which  will  be  fully  known,  only  in  another 
world. 

The  removal  of  both  parents  devolved  on  Mr.  Meade  a 
responsibility  which  he  truly  recognized,  and  he  promptly 
addressed  himself  to  the  conscientious  discharge  of  the 
offices  which  it  involved.  The  generosity  which  he 
evinced  in  connection  with  the  voluntary  arrangement  he 
had  made,  in  changing  the  distribution  of  the  paternal  es- 


112  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

tate,  for  the  accommodation  of  a  brother,  marked  all  his 
transactions  with  the  other  members  of  his  family,  and  in- 
deed was  only  one,  in  a  series  of  deeds  of  liberality,  which, 
as  occasion  offered,  adorned  his  life,  and  benefitted  and 
bound  to  him,  in  gratitude  and  admiration,  those  who 
were  capable  of  appreciating  his  unselfish  and  beneficent 
course. 

His  sisters  now  especially  needed  a  friendly  counsellor, 
both  in  reference  to  their  temporal  interests  and  their  re- 
ligious obligations.  His  prompt  and  judicious  fraternal 
guardianship  appears  in  the  following  letter,  which,  im- 
mediately after  their  mother's  death,  he  addressed  to  them 
jointly.  It  was  evidently  designed  for  their  perusal  only, 
and  was  composed  without  any  studied  reference  to  its 
style.  Yet  it  so  well  illustrates  the  spirit,  principles  and 
practice  of  the  writer,  and  is  so  admirably  calculated  to 
be  of  use  to  others  in  similar  circumstances,  that  it  would 
be  culpable  not  to  give  it  permanent  publicity: 

"To  My  Three  Younger  Sisters." 
My  Dearest  Sisters: — 

Will  you  listen  to  the  kindly  admonitions  of  a  brother  who  loves  you 
dearly,  and  would  see  you  happy  eternally,  and  would  persuade  you  so  to 
live  on  earth  that  when  you  die,  you  may  be  exalted  to  Heaven  ?  The  re- 
moval of  our  dear  mother  from  the  scene  of  sickness  and  sorrow  to  one  of 
bliss  and  perfection,  has  made  a  great  alteration  in  our  family.  The  course 
and  order  of  things  which  has  subsisted  for  the  last  thirty  years,  must  now 
be  changed.  "Old  things  must  pass  away,  and  all  things  become  new." 
Our  mother,  our  guide,  our  counsellor,  our  example,  our  head,  our  centre 
around  whom  we  moved,  and  who  kept  us  in  our  orbits,  is  now  taken  from 
among  us,  and  we  no  longer  hear  the  sweet  accent  of  her  voice,  no  longer 
behold  the  angelic  smile  of  her  countenance,  and  are  no  longer  guided  by 
her  rule  and  immediate  counsel.  She  has  left  us  separately  to  follow  by 
ourselves  those  good  principles,  which,  under  Heaven,  she  taught  us  and 
practiced  before  us,  while  living.  "  By  them,  she,  though  dead,  yetspeak- 
eth." 

"We  are  all  affected,  much  affected  by  this  change,  but  none  so  much  so 
as  my  three  single  sisters.  They  are  thrown  into  anew  course  of  life  — 
they  are  thrown  out  of  their  eld  employments  —  the  tender  nursing  and 
watching  over  the  best,  the  kindest  of  mothers.     Hitherto  they  have  been 


MEMOIR    OF    BISUOP    MEADE.  113 

dutifnllj  and  continually  engaged  in  all  those  filial  atteniions  which  her 
weakness  called  for,  and  in  relieving  her  from  those  family  cares  which 
she  could  not  sustain.  These  are  no  longer  required.  Praised  be  Godl 
our  mother  has  now  no  troubles,  no  pains,  no  sickness.  She  is  a  minister- 
ing angel,  brightly  hovering  about  the  mercy-seat  of  God,  chanting  His 
praises,  and  going  on  errands  of  love  —  perhaps  (exstatic  thought)  often 
despatched  with  gocd  thoughts,  kind  monitions  and  sweet  consolation  to 
the  hearts  of  her  children.  Yes,  yes,  "there  is  no  pain  among  the  bless- 
ed," sorrow  and  sighing  flee  away  from  them,  God  with  His  own  hand 
wipes  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes.  And  our  mother  is  among  them  — 
certainly,  most  certainly. 

But  my  sisters  are  almost  without  employ  —  they  feel  a  vacuum  within 
—  something  is  wanting  and  something  must  be  found  as  a  subsiitule,  or 
they  may  fall  into  a  state  of  idleness  and  listlessness,  than  which  nothing 
is  more  to  be  feared,  since  it  exposes  us  to  every  temptation  and  leads  the 
way  to  a  vain,  worldly,  and  irreligious  life.  It  is  also  the  state  of  all  oth- 
ers, in  which  Satan,  our  great  enemy,  delights  to  find  us,  for  then  is  his 
time  to  get  us  into  his  employ. 

I  fear,  I  tremble  for  my  sisters,  my  two  younger  sisters  ]\raryand  Lucy, 
especially.  My  sister  Susan  is,  I  trust  and  believe,  too  firmly  fixed  in 
right  principles,  and  too  long  habituated  to  good  actions,  ever  to  depart 
from  them  (the  grace  of  God  preventing  her.)  J  say  I  fear,  I  tremble  for 
you,  my  dear  Mary  and  Lucy,  for  alihough  at  present  you  show  good  dis- 
positions, and  have  ever  been  kind  and  dutiful  and  submissive  to  mamma, 
and  from  her  have  received  the  knowledge  of  what  is  right ;  and  though 
in  our  elder  sister  you  have  more  than  many  mothers  are  to  their  children, 
yet  still  I  fear  your  age  is  so  critical,  the  world  so  seductive,  pleasure  so  en- 
chanting, the  tempter  so  wily,  and  by  nature  we  so  prone  to  supineness, 
so  ready  to  follow  the  common  custom  of  others,  so  averse  to  taking  up 
the  cross,  and  leading  a  holy,  useful,  heavenly  life,  careless  of  ridicule, 
unmindful  of  opposition,  and  mainly  intent  upon  doing  that  which  is 
right. 

These  things  make  rte  to  fear  for  you.  I  feel  a  godly  jealousy  over  you. 
My  heart's  desire  and  prayer  for  you  is,  that  you  may  be  saved,  not  only  from 
misery  hereafter,  but  from  this  present  evil  world,  in  the  first  place,  as  neces- 
sary to  the  former.  You  have  now  no  mother  to  watch  over  you,  to  urge  you 
continually  to  that  which  is  right,  and  to  restrain  you  from  that  which  is 
wrong.  You  have  no  mother  on  whom  to  expend  your  love  and  thoughts, 
on  whom  to  bestow  your  aifections.  You  must  then  find  out  something, 
my  sisters,  about  which  to  engage  yourselves,  if  you  would  be  either  hap- 
py or  religious,  if  you  would  please  God  or  that  sainted  mother,  who  now 
looks  down  from  Heaven  upon  her  children. 

I  have  determined  to  write  down  some  thoughts  for  my  sisters  on  the 


114  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

right  way  of  appropriating  their  time  and  property,  so  as  to  derive  that 
benefit  from  them  which  God  intends,  so  as  to  make  them  blessings  in- 
stead of  curses.  I  would  affectionately  warn  them  against  some  things 
which  I  may  think  will  injure  them.  I  have  (I  trust)  devoted  myself  to 
the  service  of  mankind.  My  duty  is  publicly  and  privately  to  administer 
advice  wherever  it  is  needful  or  proper.  My  first  duty  is  to  my  own  fam- 
ily. Oh!  that  we  may  all  unite  in  the  blessed  work  of  doing  good  and 
living  righteously.  May  we  be  a  band  of  brothers  and  sis  ers  firmly  uni- 
ted. Oh  !  may  we  be  just  such  as  our  dear  mother,  and  Heavenly  Father, 
would  have  us  to  be.  May  we  live  together  "blessing  and  being  blessed," 
and,  though  separated  time  after  time  by  death,  as  now  from  our  dear 
mother,  may  we  be  reunited  in  Heaven,  and  form  a  happy  family  above  I 

There  are  two  things  on  which  I  would  ground  the  following  advices  : 
The  first  is  that  my  sisters  have  much  time  at  their  disposal,  the  right  use 
of  which  will  be  required  of  them  by  God  who  gave  it.  The  second  is 
that  by  the  providence  of  God  they  are  possessed  of  a  property,  the  annual 
interest  of  which  will  be  far  more  than  they  should  wish  to  exnend  in  their 
present  state.  I  would  beseech  you,  my  dear  sisters,  so  to  expend  these 
gifts  and  talents  of  God,  that  they  may  bring  you  in  an  eternal  interest 
and  treasure.  I  hop&  that  you  will  spend  your  time  and  property  like 
Christians.  They  are  given  you  to  use,  not  abuse,  to  use  for  the  benefit 
of  others,  as  well  as  yourself;  this  is  not  only  your  duty  but  your  happi- 
ness. Those  who  receive  time  and  property  both  from  Heaven,  have  much 
to  answer  for,  and  have  much  wherewith  to  mike  themselves  and  others 
happy.  The  property  affords  employment-  for  the  time,  and  the  time  ena- 
bles them  to  spend  their  property  usefully  and  joyfully. 

"A  capacity  to  do  good,  not  only  gives  the  title  to  it,  but  makes  the  do- 
ing of  it  a  duty,"  said  a  great  man,  to  which  we  may  add  the  neglect  of  it 
a  crime.  I  would  beseech  my  sisters,  out  of  love  to  their  souls,  to  begin 
at  once  to  live  on  this  principle  —  to  redeem  their  time,  to  spend  as  much 
as  possible  of  it  in  a  useful  way,  to  themselves  and  others.  We  have  but 
a  little  while  to  live  in  this  world,  and  in  that  little  to  prepare  for  an 
endless  eternity.     It  becomes  us  then  to  spend  it  in  the  best  manner. 

Perhaps  there  are  no  persons  more  exposed  to  the  temptation  of  spend- 
ing their  time  in  idleness,  in  dress,  in  visiting,  and  in  trivial,  worldly 
conversation,  than  females  at  the  age  of  my  sisters,  without  a  mother 
to  employ  or  restrain  them,  and  without  families  of  their  own  to  engage 
their  thoughts  and  attention.  Sorry,  sorry  should  I  be,  to  see  my  sis- 
ters fall  into  the  manners  and  habits  too  common  to  the  young  women 
of  our  day — grieved  to  the  soul  should  I  be  to  see  them  delight  in  the 
vanity  of  dress,  in  visiting,  in  trivial  reading  and  conversation.  They 
will  say  perhaps  that  I  do  them  wrong — that  I  fear  badly  of  them  — 
they  cannot  possibly  fall  into  these  habits — they  cannot  so  injure  the 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  115 

spirit,  so  disobey  the  precepts  of  their  beloved  mother.  I  hope  not,  T  pray 
not,  but  alas!  thefrailry  of  poor  mortals,  how  apt  to  turn  aside  !  how  prone 
to  forget  the  best  precepts  and  examples,  when  the  mother  who  gave  them 
is  no  more !  How  gently,  how  gradually  do  we  fall  into  the  ways  of 
the  vain  and  idle  world.  My  dear  sisters,  prayer,  holy  reading  and 
employment,  are  the  only  things  which  can  keep  you  from  going  astray, 
from  depending  on  the  vanities  of  the  world  for  your  haj)piness.  Hith- 
erto 3'ou  have  been  close  to  the  side  of  the  best  of  mothers ;  she  has 
been  your  sweet  and  interesting  companion.  You  will  now  form  oth- 
ers, but  beware,  lest  you  form  such  as  will  lead  you  into  an  intimacy 
"with  the  world,  whenever  you  go  out  into  company  (which  should  be 
as  seldom  as  possible.)  Be  on  your  guard  against  anything  you  see 
or  hear,  lest  you  be  gradually  accustomed  to  what  may  be  wrong.  You 
should  pity,  but  beware  of  those  votaries  of  fashion  who  rove  from  one 
pleasure  to  another,  who  delight  in  revellings,  whose  continual  conver- 
sation is  about  dress,  and  visiting  and  balls,  and  novels.  These  persons 
are  ill  employed,  they  are  unhappy  withi.^  —  they  know  not  the  joys 
of  true  religion  —  instead  of  going  to  God,  they  go  to  the  world  for  hap- 
piness, and  this  sooner  or  later  must  turn  to  anguish. 

If  you  will  begin  now  at  once  to  live  religiously  and  usefully,  it  will  be- 
come easier  every  day.  You  will  become  more  and  more  pleased  with 
your  choice,  as  you  grow  up.  You  will  become  independent  of  the  world. 
You  will  establish  an  intercourse  between  God  and  your  soul,  which  will 
continually  enlarge  itself,  and  aflford  you  increasing  happiness,  and  should 
yoif  hereafter  become  the  mothers  and  mistresses  of  families,  you  will  be 
prepared  for  performing  a  Christian  part  in  these  relations.  Oh !  my  sis- 
ters, you  little  know  how  much  depends  on  your  present  choice,  o  n  your 
first  entrance  into  life.  On  it  perhaps  the  whole  character  of  your  future 
life  depends.  "Now  is  the  accepted  time,  now  is  the  day  of  salvation." 
If  you  now  turn  into  the  wrong  course,  how  hardly  will  you  get  back  into 
the  right  one.  It  is  ten  times  easier  to  set  out  right  and  go  forward,  than, 
having  set  out  wrong,  to  turn  back  and  get  into  the  right  way.  Our  dear 
mother  has  been  heretofore  leading  you  in  the  right  way.  She  has  lot  go 
your  hands  ;  she  has  gone  up  to  Heaven,  but  she  still  beckons  you  onward. 
You  will  not  return.  You  will  not  turn  aside  into  the  paths  of  folly  and 
vanity.  You  will  not  love  idle  company,  and  trifling  books  and  dress  and 
pleasure,  when  she  taught  you  to  love  good  books  as  your  companions,  to 
think  of  your  souls  rather  than  your  bodies,  to  do  good  rather  than  to  seek 
pleasure  in  idleness  and  frivolity.  I  trust  not  —  Oh  !  God,  I  pray  not. 
Oh  !  God,  take  my  sisters  under  Thy  care.  Be  Thou  more  than  a  mother 
to  them.  Teach  them  the  true  happiness  and  the  best  way  of  speudiug 
their  time.  Do  Thou  "guide  them  by  Thy  counsel"  while  on  earth,  and 
"  afterwards  receive  them  into  glory." 


116  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

I  would  now  saj  something  to  my  sisters  about  the  duty  of  rightly 
spending  incomes.  I  say  it  is  more  than  sufficient  to  support  them  in  a 
decent  Christian  manner.  I  hope  they  do  not  wish  to  live  in  any  olher 
way.  I  hope  they  will  never  make  their  happiness  to  consist  in  dress. 
Now  this  is  all  the  expense  they  will  be  at  about  themselves.  'I'hey  will 
always,  while  single,  live  with  one  of  their  brothers,  or  with  our  dear  sis- 
ter or  cousin.  My  sisters  cannot  certainly  wish  to  expend  all  of  their  in- 
come on  themselves.  I  hope,  and  will  not  believe,  that  they  would  desire  to 
lay  by  and  amass  more  than  they  have.  Here  then,  my  sisters,  is  a  fund 
given  you  by  Heaven,  and  that  parent  who  is  in  Heaven,  to  do  good  with, 
to  relieve  the  poor  and  distressed,  to  enlighten  the  ignorant,  to  comfort 
those  who  mourn.  Resolve  then,  now  at  once,  that  you  will  spend  only 
so  much  on  yourselves  as  Christians  should  do.  (I  do  not  wish  you  to 
dress  meanly,  or  too  singularly,  but  plainly  and  modestly, )  and  give  the 
rest  to  pious  and  charitable  uses.  That  is  the  true  way  of  enjoying  your 
estate  —  that  is  the  way  whereby  you  will  please  Him  from  whom 
you  hold  your  property  and  all  other  things  in  this  world,  and  that  which 
is  to  come. 

I  would  not  have  my  sisters  to  be  ostentatious  of  their  charity  —  far 
from  it;  the  very  reverse  —  scarcely  to  let  their  right  hand  know  what 
their  left  hand  doeth.  I  would  have  them  be  as  secret  as  possible.  I  will 
associate  myself  with  them  and  throw  in  all  that  I  can  give  from  my  family. 
I  will  look  out  the  proper  objects  of  charity,  and  the  best  modes  of  useful- 
ness. Many  will  present  themselves.  God  will  direct  us  how  to  dispose 
our  charities.  He  will  second  our  disposition  by  guiding  it  into  the  noipst 
useful  action.  There  are  a  thousand  ways  of  doing  good  which  will  pre- 
sent themselves  to  such  as  seek  them.  One  only  would  I  mention  —  assist- 
ing to  publish  good  books  and  disseminating  them.  I  wish  to  be  engaged 
in  this.  I  wish  annually  to  publish  a  selection  from  the  writings  of  some 
eminent  Christian.  My  sisters  might  here  assist  me  in  two  ways  ;  first  in 
copying  out  the  selection,  and  then  in  the  publication,  with  their  money, 
if  necessary.  If  only  one  soul  be  improved  and  comforted  by  such  a  book, 
what  a  feast  to  a  Christian  heart !  We  might  employ  some  pious  man  to 
travel  about  through  our  State,  and  sell  at  a  cheap  rate,  some  good  books 
which  we  might  get  published,  and  when  it  was  necessary,  give  them  away. 
How  many  poor  families  are  deprived  of  much  pleasure  and  instruction,  by 
want  of  good  books  to  read.  While  we  are  feasting  our  own  minds  with 
such  a  variety  of  good  books,  we  should  feel  for  others.  We  might  greatly 
assist  to  mend  the  morals  of  our  State  by  disseminating  small  tracts  to  the 
poor  as  well  as  sick  —  hymns  and  catechisms  for  children,  &c.  We  might 
begin  on  a  small  scale  and  enlarge  —  others  would  join  in  the  work,  and 
we  might  give  away  and  sell  at  a  cheap  rate,  many  hundreds  annually. 
This  is  one  way,  nor  does  this  require  much  money  to  put  it  in  execution. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  117 

Many  others  "Will  present  themselves  to  vou.  There  are  many  poor  fami- 
lies in  different  places,  who  would  be  much  relieved  by  a  little  assistance; 
some  poor  children  might  be  educated,  some  poor  orphan  be  supported. 

Ah  !  how  much  better  will  it  be,  thus  to  spend  whatever  is  not  absolutely 
necessary  for  comfort  and  decency,  than  in  dress  or  vanity  or  pleasure,  or 
in  increasing  a  principal  already  fully  sufficient.  We  ought  to  look  upon 
it  as  an  honor  of  the  highest  grade,  to  be  allowed  to  do  good  —  it  is  the 
highest  pleasure  —  it  is  a  holy  luxury  to  a  humane  heart.  We  should 
seize  on  any  opportunity  to  do  good,  with  rapture  and  delight.  Doing 
good  is  the  reward,  the  pleasure  of  Christians  while  on  earth.  There  is 
no  greater  happiness  on  this  side  of  Heaven.  It  was  a  high  compliment 
once  paid  to  a  great  man,  "  that  as  to  the  wealth  of  this  world,  he  knew 
no  good  in  it,  but  the  doing  good  with  it."  We  are  nothing  the  better 
for  anything  we  possess,  merely  for  the  propriety's  sake  —  it  is  the  appli- 
cation only  which  gives  it  its  real  value.  Let  me  say  to  my  sisters  as  a  cer- 
tain person  once  did  to  his  friend  on  his  accession  to  an  estate  :  "  Much 
good  may  it  do  you, —  that  is,  much  good  may  you  do  with  it."  But 
again,  I  would  caution  my  sisters  against  ostentatiouj  or  thinking  highly 
of  themselves  for  anj-thing  they  may  do,  or  propose  to  do. 

One  of  the  holy  fathers  has  well  said,  that,  "it  is  truly  excellent  to  do 
great  things,  and  yet  esteem  ourselves  as  nothing."  Nothing  makes  us  so 
agreeable  in  the  sight  of  Heaven,  as  to  rise  high  by  our  good  actions,  and 
yet  sink  low  by  our  humility.  I  hope  and  pray  that  this  may  be  the  case 
with  my  dearest  sisters.  By  thus  acting  they  will  enjoy  the  truest  happi- 
ness in  this  life — they  will  escape  the  vanity  of  the  world  —  they  will  live 
above  the  world  —  others  may  see  their  good  example  and  take  pattern 
after  it  —  they  will  thus  enjoy  a  Heaven  below,  as  far  as  petmitted  to  mor- 
tals, and  they  will  prepare  themselves  for  Heaven  hereafter  —  and  they 
will  be  received  into  it  with  these  rejoicing  words  of  our  Saviour,  "Come 
ye  blessed  children  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you 
from  the  foundation  of  the  world." 

(^Colonization  Society.) — In  the  year  1817,  the  American. 
Colonization  Society  was  organized  in  the  City  of  Wash- 
ington, Its  object  was  to  procure  by  purchase,  sufficient 
territory  in  some  suitable  locality  on  the  Western  Coast  of 
Africa,  and  to  provide  for  the  removal  to  such  place,  of 
those  free  persons  of  color  who  were  willing  to  emigrate 
to  the  land  of  their  forefathers.  It  was  neither  sectional  or 
sectarian  in  its  origin.  Some  of  the  most  eminent  men 
from  each  of  the  great  divisions  of  the  country,  aided  in  its 
establishment  and  were  numbered  among  its  patrons.     Its 


118  MEMOIR    or   BISHOP    MEADE. 

list  of  members  exhibited  the  names  of  persons  belonging 
to  different  religious  denominations,  and  its  funds  were 
furnished  mainly  by  contributions  from  the  several 
Churches  of  the  land.  Disconnected  from  the  Grovern- 
ment,  which  cautiously  abstained  from  any  official  associa- 
tion with  the  enterprize,  it  afforded  no  encouragement  to 
party  spirit,  and  no  occasion  for  party  interference.  It 
was  truly  and  simply  a  great  scheme  of  Christian  and  pa- 
triotic benevolence  to  benefit  the  country  and  ameliorate 
the  condition  of  the  class  of  persons  to  be  colonized,  and 
through  their  instrumentality,  gradually  introduce  the 
blessings  of  civilization  and  religion  among  the  savage  and 
imbruted  hordes  of  Africa.  It  was  sanctioned  by  the  delib- 
erate opinion  of  the  most  distinguished  statesmen.  Mr. 
Jefferson,  in  a  letter,  dated  January  11, 1811,  writes :  "You 
have  asked  m}-  opinion  of  the  proposition,  to  take  measures 
for  the  procuring  on  the  Coast  of  Africa,  an  establishment  to 
which  the  people  of  color  of  these  United  States,  might, 
from  time  to  time,  be  colonized,  under  the  auspices  of  dif- 
ferent Governments.  Having  long  ago  made  up  my  mind 
on  this  subject,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  it  is 
the  most  desirable  measure  which  could  he  adopted  for  gradu- 
ally drawing  off  this  part  of  our  population."  And  again  : 
"It  may  perhaps  be  doubted  whether  many  of  this  people 
would  voluntarily  consent  to  such  an  exchange  of  situa- 
tion, and  but  few  of  those  advanced  to  a  certain  age  in 
habits  of  slavery,  would  be  caj)able  of  governing  them- 
selves ;  this  should  not,  however,  discourage  the  experiment, 
nor  the  early  trial  of  it,  and  propositions  should  be  made 
with  all  the  prudent  caution  and  attention,  required  to  re- 
concile it  to  the  interest,  the  safety  and  prejudice  of  all 
parties^ 

Mr.  Clay's  opinion  was  thus  expressed:  "I  would  not, 
I  could  not  believe  that  man,  in  the  pursuit  of  the  vilest 
cupidity,  in  the  prosecution  of  purposes  of  the  most  cruel 
injustice,  which  had  constantly  marked  the  African  slave- 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  119 

trade,  conld  accomplish  more  than  might  he  attained  in  a 
cause,  which  was  recommended  by  so  many  high,  honora- 
ble, and  manly  considerations.  Such  is  the  cause  in  which 
this  Society  is  engaged." 

In  December,  1816,  the  following  resolution  was  passed 
by  the  Legislature  of  Virginia : 

Resolved,  That  the  Executive  be  requested  to  correspond 
with  the  President  of  the  United  States,  for  the  purpose 
of  obtaining  a  territory  on  the  Coast  of  Africa,  or  at  some 
other  place,  not  within  the  States  or  territorial  governments 
of  the  United  States,  to  serve  as  an  asylum  for  such  per- 
sons of  color  as  are  now  free,  and  may  desire  the  same,  and 
for  those  who  may  hereafter  be  emancipated. 

Eesolutions  to  the  same  effect  w^ere  passed  by  the  Leg- 
islatures of  Maryland  and  Tennessee.  The  Convention  of 
the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  habitually  careful  to  avoid  all  extra 
ecclesiastical  legislation,  adopted  the  following  resolutions 
on  this  subject :  "  On  motion  of  Mr.  Needham  L  Washing- 
ton, Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention  express 
their  approbation  of  the  object  of  the  Colonization  Society, 
and  offer  up  their  hearty  prayers  for  its  success."  "  On 
motion  of  Eev.  William  H.  Wilmer,  Resolved,  That  a  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  address  the  Board  of  Managers  of 
the  Colonization  Society,  and  to  express  the  approbation 
and  good  wishes  of  this  House." 

In  conformity  with  these  resolutions,  a  strongly  com- 
mendatory address,  prepared  by  Dr.  Wilmer,  as  chairman 
of  the  Committee,  was  approved  by  the  Convention  and 
entered  on  the  Journal.     (Journal  of  1819.) 

It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  a  measure  of  this  kind 
could  progress  without  being  suspected  and  opposed.  The 
Quakers  and  other  abolitionists  regarded  it  asan  artful  de- 
vice of  Southern  planters  to  get  rid  of  free  persons  of  color, 
that  they  might  hold  the  slaves  in  greater  subjection  and 
security ;  whilst  certain  extremists  in  the  South,  mis- 
trusted it  as  an  incipient  move  in  the  line  of  emancipation. 


120  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

It  was  openly  resisted  by  both  parties  until  those  in  the 
South,  surprised  at  the  strange  alliance  in  which  they  found 
themselves,  were  led  to  a  more  careful  consideration  of  the 
subject,  and  with  few  exceptions  exhibited  their  character- 
istic magnanimity,  by  becoming  its  friends.  This  was  a 
subject  iij)on  which  Mr.  Meade,  like  Mr.  Jefferson,  "  had 
long  ago  made  up  his  mind."  He  had  not  to  wait,  and 
watch  the  direction  of  public  opinion  —  he  was  ready  and 
able  to  lead  it.  Both  his  judgment  and  his  heart  were  in 
favor  of  the  noble  enterprize,  and  from  the  first  he  stood 
forth  as  its  advocate  and  supporter.  Not  only  with  his 
funds  which  he  liberally  ajopropriated,  but,  as  far  as  com- 
patible with  his  parochial  engagements,  b}^  his  personal 
services,  and  frequent  correspondence,  he  zealously  con- 
tributed to  the  formation  of  the  Society.  It  is  to  be  re- 
gretted that  none  of  his  letters  are  available.  A  few  from 
others  show  the,  importance  attached  to  his  influences  and 
services,  and  his  earnest  activity  in  the  cause. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  held  in  Wash- 
ington, D.  C,  April  7th,  1819,  at  which  the  Hon.  William 
H.  Crawford,  one  of  the  Vice-Presidents,  presided,  resolu- 
tions were  adopted  which  led  to  the  appointment  of  Mr. 
Mea]?e  as  the  Society's  Commissioner  to  negotiate  with 
the  Governor  of  Georgia  for  the  purchase  of  a  number  of 
captured  African  slaves,  who,  having  been  brought  there 
contrary  to  the  laws  of  the  State  and  of  the  United  States, 
became  the  property  of  the  State,  and  were  advertised  to 
be  sold  publicly  on  the  4th  of  May,  in  the  town  of  Milledge- 
ville.  Mr.  Meade  accepted  the  appointment,  and  with  this 
commission  connected  an  agency  to  explain  and  advocate 
the  objects  of  the  Society,  as  opportunity  might  occur.  In 
a  few  days  he  left  his  home  on  this  embassy,  and  was 
absent  for  several  weeks,  during  which  he  visited  some 
of  the  principal  Southern  cities,  diligently  engaged  in  pub- 
lic and  in  private,  both  by  speaking  and  the  circulation  of 
appropriate  publications,  in  setting  forth  and  commending 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  121 

the  colonization  .cause.  His  instructions  contained  in  the 
letter  addressed  to  him,  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Society, 
will  more  fully  explain  his  special  mission : 

"  To  the  Rev.  "Willi Awf  Meade,  Agent  of  the  American  Society  for  Colonizing 
the  free  People  of  Color  of  the  United  Sates : 

The  Board  of  Managers  of  the  American  Colonization  Society  request 
that  you  will  proceed  to  Milledgeville,  in  Georgia,  to  request  His  Excel- 
lency, the  Governor  of  Georgia,  to  deliver  to  you  the  Africans  mentioned 
in  the  accompanying  advertisement  and  resolution  of  the  Board,  agreeably 
to  the  law  of  Georgia,  passed  the  I9th  of  Dec,  1819.  You  are  authorized 
to  make  such  arrangements  with  the  Governor,  in  behalf  of  the  Society, 
as  may  be  deemed  necessary  to  comply  with  the  stipulation  of  said  law. 

Upon  receiving  said  Africans,  you  will  please  have  them  sent  to  Smith's 
Island,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  where  they  will  be  provided 
for  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States,  till  the  proper  season  arrives  for 
their  being  sent  to  Africa,  unless  you  find  that  they  can  be  more  advantage- 
ously taken  care  of  for  the  present,  in  Georgia. 

The  manner  of  executing  this  duty  will  be  left  to  your  discretion,  with 
such  advice  as  you  may  think  proper  to  take  in  Georgia. 

You  are  authorized  to  draw  on  David  English,  Cashier  of  the  Union 
Bank  of  Georgetown,  Treasurer  of  the  Society,  for  the  necessary  funds  for 
the  objects  of  your  mission.  We  anticipate,  however,  from  the  benevolent 
and  liberal  spirit  of  the  people  of  Georgia,  that  you  will  receive  sufficient 
supplies  for  that  purpose  in  Georgia.  From  the  character  we  have  heard 
of  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  we  have  no  doubt  you  will  receive  from 
him,  all  the  aid  in  his  power  in  promoting  the  benevolent  object  of  your 
mission.  As  the  Managers  have  been  obliged,  from  the  circumstances  of 
this  case,  to  act  without  havirig  particular  information  as  to  the  amount 
of  expenses,  and  many  other  circumstances,  it  is  not  intended  to  preclude 
you  from  exercising  your  discretion  after  your  arrival  in  Georgia,  as  to 
the  extent  you  may  consider  it  advisable  to  act,,  under  the  Resolution  of 
the  Board.  Your  knowledge  of  the  views  and  resources  of  the  Society, 
will  enable  you  to  act  according  to  these  views,  so  far  as  they  come  within 
the  resources  of  the  Society,  after  you  have  acquired  the  necessary  informa- 
tion in  Georgia. 

If  it  would  facilitate  your  operations  to  have  your  drafts  on  the  Treas- 
urer payable  in  Philadelphia  or  New  York,  arrangements  can  be  made  to 
pay  them  there,  upon  giving  time.  It  will  be  advisable  for  that  purpose, 
to  make  your  drafts  payable  thirty  days  after  sight. 

By  order  of  the  Board,  B.  B.  Caldwell,  Secretary. 

Washington,  April  15,  1819. 

True  copy  from  the  Minutes,  John  Underwood,  Rec'dg  Sec'ty. 

6 


122  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

On  his  return,  he  wrote  from  Charleston,  S.  C,  to  his 
friend,  Dr.  John  Brockenbrough,  of  Eiehmond.  The  object 
of  his  letter,  as  is  apparent  from  the  reply,  was  to  inquire 
if  it  would  be  advisable  for  him,  on  his  route  home,  to  make 
an  effort  in  behalf  of  the  Society  in  the  city  of  Richmond. 

Richmond,  8th  June,  1819. 
My  Dear  Sir : 

I  have  postponed  replying  to  your  letter  from  Charleston  as  long  as  pos- 
sible, with  the  hope  of  giving  you  some  information  on  the  subject  you 
have  so  much  at  heart,  that  could  be  consolatory,  but  you  will  find  this 
letter  barren,  or  worse  than  barren.  Mr.  Rice  has  been  absent  almost  ever 
since  you  left  us,  and  Mr.  Mercer  only  reached  the  place  a  fcAV  days  ago. 
Those  were  the  only  persons  from  whom  I  expected  any  intelligence.  Mr. 
Mercer,  after  making  an  address  to  the  people  of  Fredericksburg,  formed  a 
Society  there  very  respectable  in  its  number  and  character.  Here  he  has 
had  no  encouragement,  and  1  believe  will  attempt  nothing.  His  address 
at  Fredericksburg  has  caused  a  good  deal  of  excitement  on  the  p  vi  of  those 
unfavorable  to  the  ^cheme,  aud  we  are  all  so  excessively  harassed  here 
about  our  debts,  and  pecuniary  concerns,  that  lam  confident  it  would  not 
only  be  unavailing,  but  injurious,  to  make  any  efforts  to  form  a  Society, 
either  publicly  or  by  individual  applications. 

You  can  form  no  idea  of  our  worldly  sufferings.  Our  citizens  are 
gloomy,  dispirited  and  irritable.  All  their  golden  visions  are  vanished,  and 
they  are  left  languid  and  restless.  In  truth,  almost  jvery  man  seems 
astonished  at  his  own  folly  and  infatuation,  and  I,  amongst  the  number. 

Mr.  Mercer,  I  presume,  wrote  to  you,  and  would  more  fully  explain  his 
motives  and  plans.  I  have  nothing  more  to  add  than  assurances  of  our 
affectionate  regards. 

Yours,  most  truly, 

John  Brockenbrough.. 

The  Committee  of  Arrangement  appointed  by  the  So- 
ciety, were  earnestly  engaged  in  endeavoring  to  secure  the 
favorable  action  of  President  Monroe,  in  facilitating,  by  all 
proper  means,  the  negotiation  for  the  contemplated  African 
territory,  and  for  the  transportation  of  the  captured  slaves 
purchased  from  the  State  of  Georgia.  The  difficulties  and 
the  delays  experienced  were  disheartening,  and  but  for  the 
zeal  and  determination  of  those  to  whom  the  business  was 
intrusted,  it  must  have  utterly  failed. 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  123 

Whilst  this  application  was  being  ably  and  perseveringly 
pressed  at  Washington,  Mr.  Meade  was  induced  to"  visit 
the  IS'orthern  States,  and  present  the  claims  of  the  Society 
to  the  people  of  that  section  of  the  country.  That  his 
mission  was  well  received,  may  be  gathered  from  a  kind 
and  encouraging  letter  to  Mr.  Meade,  by  the  Hon.  Timo- 
thy Pickering : 

Salem,  Sept.  12th,  1819. 
Dear.  Sir  : 

My  son  informs  me  that  von  expect  to  remain  at  Newburyport  till  to- 
morrow morning.  I  therefore  address  you  to  say  that,  after  consulting 
with  Mr.  Pickman  (whom  you  saw)  and  my  son,  (and  I  have  not  time  to 
advise  with  others)  it  has  seemed  to  us  expedient  that  you  should  pursue 
your  original  plan  of  visiting  Portland  as  well  as  Portsmouth,  and  not 
hasten  your  return  for  the  sake  of  attending  a  meeting  of  gentlemen  in 
Salem  ;  which  we  think  had  better  follow  a  meeting  in  Boston,  our  metro- 
polis, where  there  is  much  wealth,  much  humane  and  Christian  feeling,  and 
great  liberality. 

Such  men  are  not  exempt,  however,  from  the  feelings  of  human  nature, 
and  will  probably  think  that  the  occasion  should  be  offered  to  them  of 
taking  the  lead  in  Massachusetts  in  this  important  business.  A  noble  dis- 
play of  liberality  there,  cannot  fail  to  have  a  salutary  influence  on  other 
commercial  towns ;  and  it  is  from  the  fruits  of  commerce  alone,  (by  per- 
sonal acquisition  or  inheritance),  that  contributions  can  be  raised  in  New 
England.     We  have  no  rich  farmers. 

Portsmouth  is  the  commercial  capital  of  New  Hampshire,  as  Portland  is 
of  Maine,  which  may  now  be  considered  as  an  independent  State,  and  where 
therefore  the  objection  applied  to  Salem  may  be  viewed  as  superseded. 

The  subject  also  is  a  new  one,  and  has  barely  been  heard  of  by  a  small 
number  of  our  citizens.  It  may  be  expedient  to  introduce  it  into  our  news- 
papers, to  excite  public  attention,  and  prepare  the  minds  of  the  intelligent 
and  humane  to  enter  upon  it  with  adequate  zeal. 

I  visit  Salem  at  least  weekly,  often  coming  hither  on  Saturday  afternoon, 
and  returning  home  the  next  Monday  forenoon.  Should  you  be  here  a 
week  hence,  you  may  hear  of  me  at  my  son's. 

AVith  aftection  and  esteem,  I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

Timothy  Pickering. 
The  Rev.  William  Meade.  " 

On  Mr.  Meade's  return  from  the  ISTorth,  he  received,  in 
Philadelphia,  a  letter  from  his  friend,  Mr.  Key,  informing 


124  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

him  that  President  Monroe  still  held  the  application  of  the 
Committee  under  advisement;  expressing  some  anxiety  as 
to  the  result,  and  urging  Mr.  Meade  to  come  on  to  Wash- 
ington : 

Georgetown,  8/1819. 

My  Dear  Friend: 

Mr.  Crawford's  fears  are  reafized.  The  President  has  forgotten  his 
promises,  and  what  simple  courtiers  were  we,  to  suppose'  it  would  be 
otherwise. 

We  have  it  all  to  go  over  again.  But  never  fear.  We  shall  bring  him 
back  to  the  point  we  had  gained.  He  is  gone,  and  we  must  write  to  him,  and 
get  him  to  give  his  orders  at  once,  in  black  and  white. 

Mr.  Crawford  had  a  talk  with  him  and  the  Attorney  General,  and  I  have 
seen  them  both.  All  the  difficulties  that  we  had  before  removed  about  the 
vagueness  of  the  law,  and  the  difficulty  of  its  execution,  re-appeared.  Mr. 
Crawford  tried  to  remove  them  ;  econtra  the  Attorney  General.  The  Presi- 
dent thought  that  he  could  not  purchase  land,  therefore  could  make  no 
settlement,  nor  any  provision  for  receiving  the  captured  negroes  in  Africa. 
He  desired  the  Atterney  General  to  take  the  law  and  examine  it,  and  give 
him  his  opinion.  Tiie  Attorney  General  .said,  that  without  further  exam- 
ining it,  he  would  at  once  advise  him  to  do  nothing,  that  Congress  would 
soon  meet,  and  pass  another  law,  in  which  they  might  say  plainly  what 
they  wanted  done.  Mr.  Crawford  said  the  law  was  just  what  it  ought  to 
be,  and  presented  neither  doubt  nor  diflSculty. 

Thus  they  broke  up.  Nothing  was  done.  Caldwell  has  seen  Mr.  Craw- 
ford and  the  Attorney  General  also,  and  we  have  not  met  to  compare  notes 
since. ,  I  went  to  see  him,  but  he  was  gone  to  Alexandria.  I  spent  several 
hours  with  Mr.  Wirt.  He  acknowledged  that  he  was  uninformed  about 
the  business ;  thought  our  plan  impracticablcj  but  concurred  in  all  our 
wishes.  I  found  him  reading  our  report,  and  he  says  he  will  read  isvery- 
thing  about  it  and  consider  it.  I  think  he  will  be  a  friend,  at  any  rate, 
not  an  enemy.  He  seems  to  fear  the  danger  of  some  excitement  among  the 
slaves,  in  consequence  of  our  proceedings,  and  made  some  observations  on 
the  subject  that  deserve  to  be  considered.  He  said  the  President  would 
certainly  appoint  Bacon  the  agent,  and  that  we  ought  to  write  to  him  and 
remind  him  of  what  had  passed  between  us  ;  as  to  which,  he. had  no  doubt, 
he  would  do  what  he  had  promised,  and  intimated  that  he  would  not  op- 
pose us.  He  added  that  he  would  write  to  the  President  to-day  upon  the 
subject, 

We  must,  therefore,  immediately  prepare  to  carry  on  a  correspondence 
with  the  President,  and  1  will  prepare  a  letter  for  our  Committee  to  sign 
and  forward,  as  soon  as  Gen.  Mason  (who  is  one  of  us,  and  the  only  one 
who  has  any  weight)  returns,  which  I  hear,  will  be  to-morrow. 


MEMOIR    OF    BISUOP    MEADE.  125 

We  shall  all,  that  is  Caldwell  and  myself,  be,  in  consequence  of  this  state 
of  things,  a  good  deal  wanted  here.  Nevertheless,  if  you  think  it  more 
important  that  we  should  meet  you  in  Philadelphia,  we  will  do  so,  at  least 
I  will,  if  possible.  My  idea  is  that  the  President  will  appoint  an  agent, 
two,  if  we  can  find  another,  (which,  by  the  bye,  we  must  do,  and  I  wish 
you  to  look  about  for  another),  that  he  will  send  a  ship  of  war  to  the 
coast,  and  probably  a  transport  with  the  colored  men  from  this  country,  as 
laborers,  and  some  agricultural  implements,  and  that  he  will  authorize  him 
to  settle  in  our  territory  and  make  preparations  for  receiving  the  captured 
negroes,  and  I  think  this  will  do. 

I  wish  you  to  bring  on  a  dozen  of  the  sermons  you  sent  me,  the  '  Plea 
for  Africa.'  I  have  promised  one  to  Mr.  Wirt,  The  one  I  had,  I  lent,  and 
cannot  get  again.     I  think  it  calculated  to  help  us  greatly. 

If  we  have  no  meeting  in  Philadelphia,  I  think  you  had  better  bring  on 
Bacon  with  you,  and  the  sooner  you  are  both  here,  the  better,  unless  you 
are  doing  something  material,  of  which  you  will  be  the  best  judge. 

May  God  bless  you. 

Ever  your  friend, 

F.  S.  Key. 
Caldwell,  I  presume,  has  written,  and  given  you  an  account  of  our  dip- 
lomatic adventures. 

When  the  Society  obtained  position  and  facilities  for 
action,  enabling  it  to  pursue  successfully  the  benevolent 
purposes  for  which  it  was  formed,  the  officers  at  Washing- 
ton were  fully  able  to  conduct  its  ordinary  work.  The 
presence  and  services  of  others  were  neither  solicited  or 
needed,  except  in  connection  with  the  annual  meetings, 
which  increased  in  attraction  as  the  operations  of  the  So- 
ciety extended.  In  these  Mr.  Meade  was  ever  much  in- 
terested, but  as  his  personal  agency  was  no  longer  needed, 
and  other  objects  more  intimately  pertaining  to  the  minis- 
try claimed  his  consideration  and  influence, —  to  these  his 
time  and  powers  were  now  almost  exclusively  devoted. 

{Education  /Soaef 2/.)— Education  was  a  subject  which 
early  and  earnestly  and  through  life,  engaged  the  thoughts 
and  energy  of  Mr.  M^ade.  At  the  close  of  his  college 
course,  it  was  the  theme  whicji  he  chose  for  his  valedicto- 
ry address.     His  private  resources  were  Hberally  used  to 


126  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

aid  deserving  youth  in  pursuing  those  studies  which  would 
fit  them  for  usefulness  in  the  various  dejmrtments  of  life. 
To  his  sisters,  on  coming  into  possession  of  the  property 
which  they  inherited,  he  specified  this  as  an  important 
mode  of  doing  good  with  the  means  at  their  disposal. 
When,  in  1818.  certain  ministers  and  laymen  assembled  in 
the  District  of  Columbia,  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone 
of  a  church,  proposed  the  formation  of  a  Society  to  assist 
pious,  but  indigent  students  in  preparing  for  the  ministry, 
he  was  with  them  in  their  consultations,  to  animate  and 
further  the  scheme,  by  his  zeal,  wisdom  and  liberality.  It 
was  well  conceived  and  has  been  efiiciently  executed.  To 
relieve  the  delicacy  of  the  beneficiary,  the  aid  rendered, 
was  to  be  regarded  as  a  conditional  loan,  to  be  returned 
only,  if,  at  any  time,  the  recipient  should  be  in  circum- 
stances to  do  so  without  any  embarrassment.  In  many 
instances  this  has  been  done,  and  thus,  the  same  sum  has 
been  available  for  the  support  of  several  students  in  suc- 
cession. At  first  they  were  not  required  to  connect  them- 
selves with  any  one  academy  or  college,  but  were  author- 
ized to  pursue  their  studies  in  any  respectable  institution 
most  convenient  for  themselves.  The  disadvantage  of  this 
soon  .became  apparent,  and.  in  connection  with  other 
weighty  considerations,  suggested  the  expediency  of  the 
less  expensive  and  happier  arrangement  subsequently 
adopted. 

This  society,  which  Was  occasioned  by  the  interest  felt 
for  one  who  was  known  to  be  pressed  by  pecuniary  diffi- 
culties in  supporting  himself,  whilst  engaged  in  his  prepar- 
atory course,  and,  in  its  incipient  action,  was  quite  limit- 
ed, expanded  as  the  necessity  for  such  patronage  was  dis- 
closed, and  soon  proved  a  most  important  auxiliary  in  the 
cause  of  theological  education,  not  only  by  directly  aid- 
ing beneficiaries  themselves,  but  by  contributing  to  the 
support  of  professors  engaged  in  their  instruction.  In  his 
"History  of  the  trotestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Yirginia," 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.     .  127 

Dr.  Hawks  states,  "It  has  steadily  pursued  its  course  of 
usefulness,  and  commended  itself  to  the  affectionate  inter- 
ests and  cordial  support  of  its  friends,  both  in  Virginia 
and  elsewhere.  In  proof  of  this,  it  is  only  necessary  to 
relate  what  it  has  done.  Nearly  one-tenth  of  the  clergy 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States, 
have,  in  whole  or  in  part,  been  assisted  .by  this  Society. 
One-sixth  of  the  present  clergy  of  Ohio,  one-eighth  of 
those  of  Pennsylvania,  one-fifth  of  those  of  Maryland,  and 
a  large  proportion  of  those  of  Virginia,  have  derived  aid 
from'  its  funds,  while  it  is  now  affording  assistance  to  about 
one-seventh  of  all  the  students  in  the  several  Theological 
schools  of  the  Church  in  the  United  States."  (Vol.  I.,  p. 
211.)  Mr.  xMeade's  interest  in  the  prosperity  of  this  So- 
ciety never  declined.  He  availed  himself  frequently  of 
the  press  and  the  pulpit,  to  testify  to  its  great  usefulness 
and  commend  it  to  the  constant  and  generous  support  of 
the  Church. 

(^Theological  Seminary.) — With  the  revival  of  the  Church 
in  Virginia,  there  was  a  great  demand  for  ministers  to  of- 
ficiate in  the  resuscitated  parishes,  to  take  charge  of  new 
congregations,  and  to  visit  missionary  districts.  In  one 
of  his  addresses  to  the  Convention,  Bishop  Moore  states : 
"In  every  section  of  the  State  which  I  have  visited  (and 
these  visits  have  been  Tery  general),  I  have  observed  the 
most  sincere  and  ardent  attachment  to  the  Church.  From 
the  temper  of  the  people,  I  draw  the  most  pleasing  con- 
clusions, and  my  mind  is  perfectly  convinced,  that,  were 
it  possible  to  procure  a  greater  number  of  faithful  minis- 
ters, those  ministers  would  be  received  with  joy  by  the 
vacant  parishes,  and  provision  madt  for  their  support." 
As  a  provisional  arrangement,  lay  readers  were  appointed, 
and  often  with  good  effect.  Still  the  cry  continued,  and 
extended,  for  educated  men,  apt  and  meet  for  the  entire 
service  of  the  ministr}',  and  who  could  give  themselves 
wholly  to  the  work.     It  is  not  surprising  that  both  clergy 


128  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

and  laity  felt  the  importance  of  proitipt  measures  for  meet- 
ing this  encouraging  requirement,  and  of  the  necessity  of 
providing  for  the  competent  instruction  of  such  as  were 
moved  of  God  to  devote  themselves  to  the  ministry.  But 
the  great  expense  which  any  suitable  arrangement  would 
involve,  and  the  apparent  impossibility  of  procuring  capa- 
ble instructors,  without  depriving  some  influentiaV congre- 
gations of  theii'  esteemed  rectors,  were  formidable  difficul- 
ties in  the  wa}^  of  any  plan  which  promised  success.  The 
providence  of  God  was  preparing  a  way. 

"  Eishop  Moore  laid  before  the  Convention  of  1815,  a  let- 
ter from  Dr.  John  Augustine  Smith,  President  of  William 
and  Mary  College,  projwsing  that  the  Episcopal  Church 
should  establish  a  Theological  Professorship  in  that  Insti- 
tution. The  overture  was  referred  to  a  committee.  .  They 
reported  favorably,  and  recommended  "that  the  Eishop 
and  Standing  Committee  be  authorized  to  adopt  measures 
for  the  promotion  of  an  object  of  so  great  magnitude,  and 
which  may  under  the  blessing  of  God  be  productive  of  the 
most  beneficial  consequences.'^  This  was  adopted.  The 
subject  was  resumed  in  the  Conventions  of  1820  and  1821, 
when  resolutions  were  passed  recommending  the  establish- 
ment .of  a  Theological  School  in  Williamsburg.  A  Eoard 
of  Trustees  was  appointed,  with  instructions  to  adopt  the 
most  efficient  measures  for  accomj^lishing  it,  by  raising 
funds,  selecting  professors,  &c.,  and  to  correspond  with  the 
Standing  Committees  of  Maryland  and  North  Carolina,  to 
ascertain  whether  the  members  of  the  Church  in  those 
States  were  disposed  to  co-oj)erate  in  the  important  meas- 
ure. Maryland  was  heard  from  through  her  Eishop,  the 
Bight  Pev.  James  Kemp,  D.  D.,  who  declined  the  proposal 
for  reasons  not  complimentary  to  the  Christianity  of  Wil- 
liamsburg, or  the  Church manship  of  Virginia.  North 
Carolina  was  silent.  The  Trustees,  however,  proceeded  to 
establish  the  School.  The  Eev.  Peuel  Keith,  D.  J).,  whom 
they  chose  as  the  professor,  became  also  the  minister  to 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  129 

the  congregation  in  Williamsburg,  and  was  prepared  to  in- 
struct any  candidates"  who  might  be  sent  there.  During 
two  years,  only  one  presented  himself.  The  experiment 
was  a  failure,  but  that  this  was  in  no  respect  to  be  imput- 
ed to  Dr.  Keith,  is  evident  from  the  signal  success  and  dis- 
tinguished reputation  which  he  soon  attained  in  a  differ- 
ent location.  On  various  accounts  Williamsburg  was  found 
to  be  an  unsuitable  place.  The  attempt  Avas  abandoned, 
and  Dr.  Keith  resigned  the  parish,  and  withdrew. 

The  circumstances  which  led  to  a  renewal  of  the  exper- 
iment elsewhere,  are  not  furnished  by  any  official  record, 
but  may  be  gathered  from  a  letter  preserved  among  the 
papers  of  Mr.  Meade.  It  is  from  the  pen  of  Mrs.  S.  H. 
Smith,  daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas  Henderson,  of  George- 
town, D.  C,  and  wifeof  G-en.  F.  H.  Smith,  Principal  of  the 
Virginia  Military  Institute..  It  bears  the  date  of  March 
10,  1860.  Uxtract^ ''Aho[it  the  time  that  Dr.  Keith 
left  Williamsburg,  it  Avas  my  father's  desire  to  establish 
such  a  school  in  Georgetown  as  would  be  the  foundation 
of  a  Protestant  College,  to  be  located  in  the  District.  In 
prosecution  of  this  purpose,  he  followed  him  as  fur  as 
Philadelphia,  in  hope  of  meeting  him  at  the  General  Con- 
vention, then  in  session,  i^ot  finding. him  there,  he  re- 
turned home,  and  wrote  to  him  to  come  and  take  charge 
of  this  academy,  which  in  a  very  short  time,  brought  Dr. 
Keith  again  to  Georgetown.  Mr.  Frank  Key  met  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Hawley,  Wilmer  and  yourself  at  my  father's 
house.  At  his  house,  after  repeated  interviews,  these  meet- 
ings resulted  in  a  determination  to  open  a  school  for  the 
prophets  in  Alexandria.  My  father  was  directed  to  pre- 
pare the  address.  At  my  request  he  gave  me  these  facts 
in  writing,  many  years  ago:"  From  this  statement  it 
would  seem,  as  if  all  the  action  of  the  Convention  was  re- 
garded as  terminated  in  the  failure  at  Williamsburg,  though 
the  Board  of  Trustees  still  existed,  and  upwards  of  $10,000 
had  been  secured  for  the  object.  The  probabiUty  is,  that 
6* 


l:*)0  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

the  result  of  the  consultations  at  G-eorgetown  were  commu- 
rjicated  to  the  members  of  the  Board,  who,  influenced  by 
the  considerations  in  favor  of  Alexandria,  especially  by 
fjhe  prospect  of  obtaining  the  services  of  Dr.  Wiliner  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Norris,  in^ connection  with  the  course  of  in- 
struction, adopted  the  plan  to  which  the  subsequent  sanc- 
tion of  the  Convention  was  accorded.  Those  contrib- 
utors, who  had  subscribed  with  the  understanding  that 
the  location  of  the  school  was  to  be  in  Williamsburg,  con- 
sented to  the  change  of  the  place.  So,  the  important  en- 
terprise, which  seemed  in  danger  of  being  abandoned,  was 
renewed  under  promivsing  auspices  in  Alexandria. 

Deeply  interested  as  Mr.  Meade  was  in  the  effort  to 
provide  for  the  education  of  students  ef  Theology,  and  co- 
operating, as  he  did,  in  the  measures  adopted  by  the  Con- 
vention, it  is  doubtful  whether  the  Williamsburg  arrange- 
ment had  the  aj^proval  of  his  judgment.  The  change  pre- 
sented the  important  undertaking  under  a  more  promising 
aspect,  and  he  devoted  himself  to  its  accomplishment  with 
full  purpose  of  heart.  In  the  Conventions  of  1824-'5-'6, 
he  was  the  medium  of  communication  between  the  Board 
of  Trustees  and  the  Convention,  and  in  the  reports  which 
he  laid  before  that  body,  his  views  and  expectations  with 
regard  to  an  Institution,  which,  under  Grod,  was  mainly 
indebted  to  his  judicious  and  persevering  exertion  for  its 
establisli.ment  and  growth,  are  embodied. 

"At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  the  Rev.  Reuel 
Keith  was  engaged  as  Professor  in  the  Institution,  and  re- 
quested to  hold  himself  in  readiness-  whenever  it  should 
go  into  operation.  He  accordingly  settled  in  Alexandria, 
in  October  last,  and  has  had  under  his  charge,  since  that 
time,  from  twelve  to  fourteen  students,  thirteen  of  whom 
are  candidates  for  orders.  There  are  at  present  under  his 
care,  eleven  young  men,  pursuing  theis  studies  with  fair 
prospect  of  their  future  respectability  and  usefulness,  and 
it  is  expected  that  not  less  than  twenty  will  wish  to  enter 


IpEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  131 

at  the  ensuing  session."  "Ttie  more  advanced  class  has 
recited  to  the  Kev.  W.  H.  Wilmer,  who  has  had  charge  of 
the  Department  of  Systematic  Theology." 

"The  Trustees  take  great  pleasure  in  contemplating  the 
present  state  and  encouraging  prospects  of  the  School,  and 
in  bearing  testimony,  as  far  as  they  know  and  believe,  to 
the  zeal,  fidelity  and  ability,  with  which  the  professors 
have  discharged  the  duties  of  their  professorships.  The 
whole  course  of  studies  has  been  entirely  conformed  to 
the  canons  of  the. Church." 

"Williamsburg  is  too  remote  and  inaccessible  to  justify 
the  hope  that  students  can  be  obtained  for  a  Theological 
Institution  at  that  place.  The  experiment  was  tried  there 
for  one  year  without  success,  and  no  hope  of  success  seemed 
to  present  itself  in  time  to  come.  No  sooner  was  the  trial 
made  in  Alexandria,  than  the  number  of  students  and  the 
means  of  supporting  the  indigent  among  them,  increased 
beyond  the  most  sanguine  anticipations." 

"AH  that  is  wanting  to  complete  success  under  the  bless- 
ing of  God,  is  the  liberal  co-operation  of  the  friends  of  the 
Church."  "We  cannot  hope  for  a  full  and  permanent  sup- 
ply of  ministers  from  any  other  source  than  the  Institu- 
tion we  commend  to  the  liberal  patronage  of  our  mem- 
bers." "The  number  of  pious  young  men  desirous  to  de- 
vote their  lives  to  this  sacred  cause,  is  continually  increas- 
ing, and  the  disposition  to  aid  the  more  needy  of  them  to 
procure  a  suitable  education,  is  increasing  in  an  equal  de- 
gree ;  and  to  us  do  both  the  pious  youth  and  their  benev- 
olent patrons  look  for  an  Institution  which  shall  furnish 
them  with  that  instruction,  by  means  of  suitable  instruct- 
ors." (Journal  of  1825). 

Mr.  Meade's  expectations  with  regard  to  the  effect  of 
the  change  of  place,  were  soon  realized,  and  the  Conven- 
tion confirmed  the  action  of  the  Trustees  by  a  resolution, 
"  that  the  Theological  School  of  Yirginia  be  located  for 
the  present,  in  the  town  of  Alexandria." 


132  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADa 

{Journal  of  1826.) — "  From  the  present  prospects  of  the 
School,  the  Board  entertain  the  hope  that  it  will  be  pre- 
pared to  take  a  respectable  rank  among  the  similar  insti- 
tutions established  by  the  Church.  The  G-eneral  Seminary 
of  JSTew  York  has  been  for  some  time  in  successful  progress  : 
a  Diocesan  School  in  Ohio,  is  about  to  commence  its  opera- 
tions also,  with  encouraging  prospects  of  success.  Experi- 
ence has  J) roved  that  there  is  ample  room  and  demand  for 
the  Theological  School  of  Yirginia.  By  its  local  conveni- 
ence, and  by  its  accommodation  to  the  habits  and  manners 
of  our  Southern  country,  it  attracts,  without  conflicting 
with  the  interests  of  the  General  Seminary,  a  patronage 
and  support,  which  otherwise,  would  be  lost  to  the  cause 
of  the  Church.  Many  of  the  students  now  attached  to  it, 
would  have  attended  no  Seminary,  and  probably  would 
have  been  alienated  from  the  Church." 

"  Although  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  was  the  first  to  move 
in  this  enterprise^  and  after  action  had  been  commenced 
by  the  General  Convention,  was  very  explicit  in  disavow- 
ing opposition  to  the  General  Seminary  established  in  New 
York,  yet  there  was  a  party  in  the  Church,  who  insisted 
that,  that  '  Seminary  was  'not  only  General,  but  exclusive 
of  all  others,  and  who  deitounced  the  Yirginia  School  as 
schismatic.'  Most  threatening  letters  came  to  Bishop 
Moore,  calling  upon  him  as  a  Bishoj^  of  the  general  Church, 
bound  to  guard  its  unity,  to  interpose  and  prevent  the  es- 
tablishment of  the  Seminary  at  Alexandria.  Every  assur- 
ance within  the  limits  of  self-respect  was  given  to  quiet 
this  morbid  sensitiveness,  and  allay  this  uncharitable  sus- 
picion, but  the  churchmen  of  Virginia  were  too  much 
accustomed  to  such  as23ersions  to  be  swerved  from  their 
purpose.  The  fulminations  wore  impotent  to  arrest  the 
good  work  on  which  they  had  entered.  In  a  little-  while, 
the  controversy  occasioned  by  the  removal  of  the  General 
Seminary  to  Connecticut  and  in  connection  with  the 
Kohn  legacy,  led  to   a  more   thorough   investigation   of 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  133 

Diocesan  rights,  and  settled  the  question  by  a  formal 
recognition  of  the  lawfulness  of  Diocesan  Seminaries,  and 
other  Dioceses  have  followed  the  example  of  Yirginia  with- 
out let  or  hindrance. 

When  the  subject  was  first  agitated.  Bishop  Moore,  whose 
mind  had  not  been  particularly  directed  to  it,  was  not  clear 
as  to  the  judiciousness  of  the  proceeding  in  Virginia,  aiid 
his  gentle  spirit  was  troubled  for  a  time  by  the  audacious 
attempts  to  intimidate  him.  In  one  of  his  addresses  to  his 
Convention,  he  thus  alludes  to  his  difficulty :  '  When  the 
attempt  was  first  made  in  the  Diocese,  my  mind  w^as  im- 
2:)ressed  with  considerable  doubt,  as  to  the  utility  of  the 
measure,  from  an  apprehension  that  it  might  interfere  with 
the  General  Seminary  at  the  North,  but  after  the  most  se- 
rious reflection,  the  doubts  I  have  entertained  have  been 
removed,  and  my  mind  is  now  satisfied  with  a  full  conviction 
of  the  necessity  of  the  undertaking.  The  Church  in  Yirginia 
is  now  favored  with  the  labors  of  several  of  her  native  sons, 
who  have  been  educated  in  her  own  school,  and  others  are 
presenting  themselves  under  similar  circumstances,  who,.  I 
trust,  will  prove  equally  successful.'  In  his  affecting  ad- 
dress at  the  close  of  the  Convention,  to  the  clergy  and 
laity  assembled  at  the  Chancel,  he  said:  'Seven  young 
men,  six  of  whom  are  alumni  of  that  Institution — from 
which  we  have  received  so  much  benefit  and  advantage,' 
and  'from  which  we  have  reason,  to  expect  still  greater 
results'  —  have  this  day  been  admitted  to  holy  orders. 
Men,  from  whose  labors  parishes  which  have  been  destitute 
for  many  years  will  be  supplied,  and  the  Word  of  Life  com- 
municated to  those  who  have  looked  to  us  for  spiritual 
help.  Yes!  the  walls  of  some  of  our  Churches,  in  which 
the  voice  of  the  Gospel  has  not  been  heard  for  twenty 
years,  will  again  resound  with  the  good  tidings  of  salva- 
tion, and  wake  the  prayers  and  praises  of  our  people.'  'My 
heart  vibrates  with  joy  at  the  glowing  prospect  presented 


134  MEMOIR    or    BISHOP    MEADE. 

to  our  view,  and  my  soul  rejoices  in  the  prosperity  of  our 
Zion.'  "    (Journal,  1818.)  . 

In  noticing  and  commending  the  purpose  of  the  Trus- 
tees "to  apply  to  that  Convention  for  their  continuance 
and  support  in  the  further  prosecution  of  their  design," 
Eishop  Moore  observed,  "  The  individual  through  whose  in- 
strumentality the  School  was  first  set  in  motion,  has  consented, 
should  the  Convention  countenance  the  undertaking,  to 
engage  with  all  his  energies  in  the  work,  and  to  go  in 
person  through  this  State,  to  raise  a  fund  for  the  permanent 
establishment  of  a  Theological  School  in  the  Diocese  of 
Yirginia." 

Mr.  Meade  was  truly  the  father  of- this  Seminary.  Its 
prosperity  became  his  business,  his  study,  and  his  delight. 
He  visited  it,  often  watched  and  prayed  over  it  with  pa- 
rental supervision  —  labored  for  it  ''in  season  and  out  of 
season,"  by  his  pen — in  the  pulpit,  and  through  the  press 
—  absenting  himself  for  months  from  his  loved  home,  in 
itinerating  through  the  Diocese,  and  occasionally  else- 
where, to  solicit  funds  for  its  permanent  endowment  —  al- 
ways ready  with  that  sound  sense  and  practical  wisdom 
for  which  he  was  distinguished,  to  aid  in  its  management, 
and  finally  consenting  to  add  to  his  other  weighty  resj^on- 
sibilities,  the  service  of  Professor  of  Pastoral  Theology, 
preparing  and  publishing  at  his  own  expense,  a  volume  of 
lectures,  which  became  the  text  book  in  that  department. 
That  he  was  often  harassed  and  burdened  by  the  difficul- 
ties inseparable  from  such  an  Institution,  no  one  need  be 
informed  j  but  he  was  abundantly  compensated  by  ita  sig- 
nal success  and  great  and  growing  usefulness.  If  his  mon- 
ument should  bear  no  other  inscription  than  "  The  father 
of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Yirginia,"  it  would  identify 
the  Testing-place  of  the  mortal  remains  of  one,  to  whose 
instrumentality  in  founding  and  cherishing  that  Institution 
the  Church  at  large,  and  especially  the  Church  in  Yirginia, 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  135 

owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  which  no  epitaph  can  adequately 
express. 

It  might  be  supposed  that  those  extra  parochial  services 
would  seriously  interfere  with  the  claims  of  his  own  special 
cure,  and  that  his  congregation  would  unavoidably  suffer, 
by  his  devotion  to  Institutions  of  Diocesan,  and  even  more 
general  character.  But  this  was  far  from  being  the  case. 
Very  satisfactory  information  on  this  subject  may  be  de- 
rived from  the  parochial  reports  made  annually  to  the 
Convention  and  entered  on  the  Journal.  From  this  source 
it  appears  that  the  number  of  communicants  in  Frederick 
parish,  at  the  commencement  of  his  ministry,  was  fifty. 
In  a  few  years,  Winchester,  and  Wickliffe  became  inde- 
pendent congregations,  and  Mr.  Meade's  charge  was  con- 
fined to  the  Stone  Chapel.  From  the  last  report,  just  be- 
fore he  was  placed  in  a  new  relation  to  the  Diocese,  it 
appears,  that  the  communicants  at  the  Chapel  alone,  ex- 
ceeded the  original  number  in  the  whole  of  w^hat  was  then 
Frederick  parish : 

"Frederick  Parish,  Frederick  County." 

'^  During  the  past  year,  the  minister  has  occasionally  extended  his  labors 
to  a  distant  part  of  the  county,  and  feels  grateful  to  the  great  Head  of  the 
Ghurch,  that  those  labors  have  not  been  altogether  in  vain.  Nine  new 
communicants  have  been  added  to  the  Church  during  the  past  year.  Fif- 
teen children  have  been  baptized,  four  of  whom  were  colored,  A  Sunday 
School  has  lately  been  re-organized  in  the  parish,  with  some  prospects  of 
usefulness.  The  attendance  of  the  congregation  on  public  worship  is  punc- 
tual, and  the  observance  of  the  forms  of  the  Church  regular  and  devout : 
and  what  is  still  more  gratifying  to  the  minister,  there  is  the  encouraging 
hope,  that  a  goodly  number  belong  to  the  invisible  Church  of  thrist,  and 
will  be  found  among  the  Redeemed,  in  the  great  day," 

"William  Meade. 

In  an  earlier  report  he  mentions,  and  for  reasons  which 
he  states,  some  of  the  measures  which  he  had  found  useful 
in  the  Churches  to  which  he  then  ministered,  and  which 
6ho%y  his  thoughtful  diligence,  in  laboring  for  their  im- 
provement.    "The  state  of  the  congregation  is  considered 


136  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

good.  The  atteD dance  on  divine  worship,  with  a  few  ex- 
cerptions, is  very  regular.  The  nnmber  of  communicants 
has  been  increased  by  the  addition  of  eight,  during  the 
past  year.  The  number  of  baptisms  is  twelve,  one  of  which 
is  an  adult.  The  Societies  of  females,  formed  in  the  two 
congregations  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  domestic  and 
foreign  missions,  and  the  education  of  pious  young  men, 
promises  very  effectual  and  permanent  support  to  these 
important  objects.  In  the  Chapel  congregation,  very 
handsome  collections  have  been  made  for  these  purposes, 
for  some  years  past ;  in  the  congregation  at  Winchester, 
the  efforts  have  but  just  commenced,  though  with  very 
flattering  prospects  of  success."  "  The  minister  of  the 
parish,  encouraged  by  the  success  with  which  it  has  pleas- 
ed Heaven  to  crown  his  endeavors  in  this  cause,  jbegs  leave 
to  state  to  the  Church,  the  method  which,  by  experience, 
he  has  found  most  effectual,  in  the  hope  of  inducing  his 
brethren  to  make' trial  of  the  same.  Believing  that  the. 
great  duty  and  need  of  raising  up,  and  properly  educating 
pious  young  men  for  the  ministry,  and  of  supplying  the 
destitute  parts  of  our  own  land,  as  well  as  the  nations  of 
the  heathen  world  with  the  ministrations  of  the  Gospel, 
only  requires  to  be  fully  and  frequently  placed  before  the 
hearts  of  Christians,  as  we  do  the  other  duties  and  doc- 
trines of  religion,  in  order  to  induce  them  to. take  a  lively 
and  active  interest  in  tiie  same — -he  has  for  some  years 
past,  been  pursuing  the  following  plan :  He  has  suj)plied 
himself  with  a  number  of  the  best  religious  magazines  of 
the  day,  which  give  a  full  view  of  all  the  spiritual  wants, 
as  well  as  religious  exertions  and  charities  of  the  whole 
Christian  world ;  from  these,  he  has  always  been  able  to 
collect  a  great  variety  of  most  -interesting  and  edifying 
pieces  on  all  those  subjects,  which  are  most  dear  to  every 
Christian  heart,  and  which,  fi*om  time  to  time,  he  reads  to 
the  congregation.  In  the  country  congregation,  he  has 
for  some  years  been  in  the  habit  of  having  meetings  for 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  "    137 

this  purpose  at  private  houses,  on  ecme  dayof  the  week, 
where  a  number  of  the  families  most  convenient,  assemble 
together.  A  few  hours  are  spent  in  prayer,  singing  suita- 
ble hymns,  and  reading  the  above  mentioned  selections. 
Sometimes  the  ladies  are  engaged  in  some  work,  which  is 
disposed  of  for  the  benefit  of  the  cause;  and  the  younger 
members  of  the  family  are  brought  in  also,  and  encouraged 
to  take  an  interest  in  what  is  passing.  The  minister  can 
truly  testify  for  himself,  and  those  of  his  charge,  that  these 
meetings  are  unusually  interesting,  and  have  the  effect  of 
drawing  the  hearts  of  those  present  towards  the  important 
objects  laid  before  them." 

As  evidence  of  which,  he  states  that  for  some  years  past, 
he  has,  by  means  of  these  meetings  in  the  Chapel  congre- 
gation, "collected  about  one  hundred  dollars  annually, 
which  for  the  last  two  years,  had  been  sent  to  the  General 
Missionary  Society  of  the  Church.  At  the  same  time,  the 
communicants  of  this  congregation  have  been  contributing 
between  fifty  and  an  hundred  dollars  annually  to  the  Edu- 
cation Society  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  besides  liberal 
subscriptions  to  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Yirginia.  In 
the  Church  at  Winchester,  a  female  Society  for  promoting 
the  education  of  pious  young  men,  and  for  missionary  pur- 
poses, has  been  formed  within  a  few  months,  and  promises 
to  do  well.  In  order  to  give  proper  information  to  the 
minds  of  the  members,  and  also  to  impress  proper  feelings 
on  their  hearts,  in  regard  to  these  subjects,  the  minister 
has  occasionally  substituted,  on  Sunday  afternoon,  the 
above  mentioned  extracts  in  place  of  the  sermon,  and  has 
reason  to  believe  that  this  plan  is  not  only  pleasing,  but 
will  be  improving  and  profitable."  "The  minister  of 'the 
parish  has  been  thus  particular,  because  he  thinks  the  time 
has  arrived,  when  it  behooves  every  minister  to  make  full 
trial  of  his  minisrry  in  this  respect,  and  because,  he  be- 
lieves, that  there  is  not  a  congregation  in  the  Church,  from 
which  something  may  not  be  obtained  from  willing  hearts, 


138  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

if  the  subject  be  properly  and  frequently  presented  to  them. 
He  is  firmly  persuaded,  that  no  other  plan  will  produce 
half  the  eifect,  or  will  long  continue  in  operation;  and 
therefore  urges  his  brethren,  to  adopt  that,  which  his  own 
experience  for  many  years,  has  proved  to  be  successful." 
(Journal  1824.) 

Neither  now,  nor  at  a  later  period,  when  his  responsi- 
bilities were  still  more  extended  and  laborious,  had  he  any 
cause  to  say,  "  They  made  me  the  keeper  of  the  vineyards, 
but  mine  own  vineyard  have  I  not  kept."  It  was  indeed 
diligently  and  judiciously  cultivated,  and,  blessed  of  the 
Lord,  it  brought  forth  its  pleasant  fruit  in  due  season. 

In  1826,  the  venerable  Bishop  TVhite  made  known  to  the 
Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  Pennsylvania,  his  desire  for 
an  assistant  in  the  Episcopate.  For  this  purpose,  a  special 
Convention  was  called  to  meet  in  Philadelphia,  the  25th  of 
October. 

Both  the  clergy  and  the  laity  were  divided  in  their  pre- 
ference, one  part  of  each  order  being  in  favor  of  the  Rev. 
Byrd  Wilsor.,  D.D.,  who  had  retired  from  his  distinguished 
position  in  the  judiciary  of  the  State,  to  give  himself  to  the 
work  of  the  Christian  ministry,  and  whose  purity  of  char- 
acter, and  intellectual  cultivation,  had  reflected  honor  on 
the  profession  from  which  he  withdrew,  and  fitted  him  for 
the  sacred  services  of  the  holy  calling  to  which  he  was  now 
devoted.  Another  part  of  each  order  had  united  on  the 
Eev.  William  Meade,  as  their  choice.  This  fact  was  com- 
municated to  him  in  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Gregory  T. 
Bedell,  D.D.,  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Philadelphia: 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  Tth,  1826. 

Reverend  and  Dear  Brother : 

You  have  no  doubt  heard,  before  this,  of  the  sudden  and.  great  change 
in  the  mind  of  our  Bishop,  in  respect  to  an  assistant,  and  the  call  of  a 
special  Convention,  for  the  purpose  of  electing  such  an'  officer,  if  it  be 
deemed  expedient.  It  must  have  gladdened  your  heart  to  have  noticed  for 
some  time  past,  that  the  cause  of  evangelical  religion  is  making  rapid  pro- 
gress in  this  Diocese,  and  this  cause  would  gain  every  thing  by  the  delay 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP   MEADE.  139 

of  this  appoiatment.     Of  this  fact,  those  of  our  Brethren,  who  do  not  view 
the  subject  in  the  same  light  in  which  we  do,  seem  to  be  perfectly  aware, 
and  this  will  account,  in  a  great  measure,  for  the  present  unexpected  eflfort 
to  hurry  us  in  the  election.     By  many  of  the  Brethren,  Clergy  as  well  as 
Laity,  friendly  to  the  cause  of  evangelical  religion,  it  was  deemed  advisa- 
ble to  have  a  meeting  as  soon  as  practicable  among  themselves,  and  to  consult 
about  the  business.     This  meeting  has  taken  place,  and  all  who  could  con- 
veniently be  assembled,  were  present,  when,  after  solemn  prayer  to  God 
for  His  especial  direction,  the  following   resolutions  were   unanimously 
adopted.     Let  it  be  borne  in  mind,  that  the  meeting  was  composed  of  a 
majority  of  those,  in  our  view,  favorable  to  vital  piety,  and  also  of  those 
Laymen,  whom  .ve  believe  truly  converted  unto  God.     It  was  resolved, 

First,  That  we  will  feel  ourselves  called  upon  in  conscience,  to  give  our 
votes  for  that  Brother,  of  whose  soundness  in  the  faith  we  are  all  persuad- 
ed, and  who  shall  have  the  largest  number  of  votes,  at  a  meeting  to  be 
held  by  our  friends  on  the  day  previous  to  the  assembling  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

Second,  It  is  expedient  that  one  of  the  Brethren  now  present,  visit  those 
of  our  Brethren  in  the  country  who  could  not  be  present  at  this  meeting, 
and  confer  with  them,  and  that  brother  Boyd  he  requested  to  perform 
this  duty.    . 

Third,  That  this  meeting  cordially  unite  in  favor  of  our  Rev.  Brother 
William  Meade,  of  Virginia,  and  are  fully  persuade  1  that  he  is  the  person 
most  likely  to  command  the  largest  number  of  suflfrages  for  the  important 
office  to  be  filled. 

Fourth,  That  Brothers  Allen  and  Bedell  be  requested  to  visit  Brother 
Meade  and  to  confer  with  him  on  the  business  now  before  this  meeting.    . 

Fifth,  That  the  friends  of  religion  generally  in  the  <  hurch,  be  earnestly 
requested  to  pray  for  this  portion  of  the  Lord's  vineyard,  at  the  present 
critical  junctu^,  and  that  at  6  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  every  Lord's  day, 
private  prayer  be  oflfered  for  Divine. direction  and  assistance,  and  social 
prayer  at  such  times  as  shall  be  most  convenient." 

It  will  gtartle  you,  no  doubt,  to  hear  that  upon  you  has  the  choice  of  the 
Brethren  here  been  fixed;  our  unhesitating  unanimity  convinced  us  that 
the  hand  of  the  lord  was  in  this  thing,  and  we  were  constrained  to  fall 
down  before  Him  in  devout  thanksgiving  for  vouchsafing  to  us,  one  heart 
in  this  business.  We  were  strengthened  and  took  courage.  Our  hopes 
now.  Brother,  under  God,  rest  upon  you  —  on  no  other  can  we,  or  shall ' 
we  be  so  perfectly  united.  Can  you  add  to  the  weight  upon  our  hearts, 
the  heavy  burden  of  a  refusal  to  be  named?  We  ask  you  not  for  an  ap- 
proval. We  ask  you  only  to  be  willing  to  leave  the  matter  in  the  hands 
of  the  Master  you  have  served.  We  ask  you  only  not  to  forbid  us  to  give 
you  the  warm  support  of  more  than  twenty  who  are  now  praying  for  the 


140  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

prosperity  of  Zion.  We  wish  you  but  to  be  still,  and  see  what  the  will  of  . 
the  Lord  is.  We  have  reason  to  apprehend  that  some  who  think  not  with 
us,  will  seek  to  gain  a  refusal  from  you,  and  then  use  it  to  the  injury  of  our 
cause.  We  wish  you  not  to  arm  our  opposers  with  a  weapon  against  us. 
Further,  we  ask  nothing.  We  wait  upon  God  for  Bis  direction.  My  in- 
disposition has  prevented  the  contemplated  visit,  but  in  the  name  of  the 
Committee  and  of  the  Brethren  generally,  who  see  eye  to  eye  with  us, 
I  sign  myself, 

Your  friend  and  brother  in  the  Lord, 

G.  T.  Bedell; 

What  reply,  if  any,  was  returned  to  this  communica- 
tion, is  not  known. 

A  letter  of  a  different  character,  in  relation  to  the  same 
subject,  was  received  from  the  Eev.  James  Montgomery, 
D.  D.: 

Philadelphla.,  Oct.  12,  1826. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

It  has  been  my  intention  for  some  time  past  to  write  to  you,  but  have  post- 
poned the  execution  of  it  until  I  could  feel  fully  persuaded  that  it  was  my  du- 
ty to  express  to  you  candidly  and  explicitly  my  views  in  relation  to  the  im- 
portant subject  which  is  to  occupy  the  approaching  Special  Convention  of 
this  Diocese,  and  the  motives  which  influence  me  in  opposing  the  strenuous 
efforts  in  your  behalf.  Ever  since  it  was  understood  that  you  were  to  be  the 
candidate  of  one  side,  I  have  thought  it  but  right  to  communicate  to  you 
the  grounds  of  the  stand  which  I  feel  myself  bound  to  make  against  you. 
To  this  I  feel  prompted  by  candour,  and  by  the  deep  interest  I  have  long 
felt  and  expressed  in  your  character.  Be  assured,  there  is  no  one  for  whom 
I  cherish  a  higher  regard,  and  for  whose  Christian  sincerity  and  singleness 
of  heart,  I  feel  a  more  profound  respect.  I  speak  to  you  tile  genuine  feel- 
ings of  my  heart,  feelings  which  I  have  not  withheld  whenever  your  char- 
acter has  been  the  subject  of  discussion.  But,  in  reference  to  the  Episco- 
pate, I  must  say  that  I  consider  your  partial  and  inadequate  views  of  the 
nature  and  obligations  of  the  episcopal  constitution  of  the  ministry  a  dis- 
qualification. You  will  remember  that  we  had  some  conversation  on  the 
subject  at  my  house,  when  you  frankly  acknowledged  that  you  had  not 
paid  much  attention  to  it,  and  had  not  read  some  of  the  standard  writers 
upon  it.  I  could  not  but  consider  you  then  as  very  inadequately  informed 
upon  points,  which  in  my  conscience,  1  hold  to  be  indispensably  important 
—  so  much  so,  that  I  will  never  give  my  vote  to  Any  one,  in  whose  senti- 
ments on  those  points,  I  have  not  the  most  implicit  confidence.  It  is  upon 
such  grounds  that  I  shall  feel  it  my  solemn  duty  to  oppose  your  nomina- 
tion, and  I  want  you  to  be  assured  that  I  shall  do  it  without  any  diminu- 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEABE.  141 

tion  of  the  high  sense  I  entertain  of  your  excellence,  or  of  the  affection- 
ate regards  which  I  have  felt  towards  you,  and  with  which  you  will  ever 
be  remembered  by 

Your  friend  and  brother, 

James  Montgomery. 

To  this  letter  Mr.  Meade  replied : 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother : 

I  have  just  received  yours  of  the  12th  inst.,  and  have  only  one  complaint 
against  it,  and  that  is,  its  too.  flattering  style,  which,  acting  upon  the  van- 
ity of  poor  human  nature,  may  do  harm.  The  friendly  spirit  I  truly  ap- 
preciate, and  in  the  same  spirit  I  now  reply.  Your  communication  was 
by  no  means  unexpected.  Such  an  one,  either  verbal  or  epistolary,  1  cal- 
culated upon,  in  consequence  of  what  had  passed  between  us.  When  the 
first  intimation  reached  me  that  it  was  proposed  to  support  me  for  the  con- 
templated appointment,  the  first  thought  that  rose  in  my  mind  was,  that 
yourself  was  the  author  of  the  scheme,  and  this  opinion  was  expressed  to 
those  friends  with  whom  I  conversed  on  the  subject,  and  at  the  same  time 
my  reasons  for  the  supposition  were  stated.  It  is  because  of  such  an  opin- 
ion expressed,  and  reasons  given,  that  I  feel  it  a  duty  to  make  this  com- 
munication, lest  some  misunderstanding  arise. 

When  we  were  last  together,  and  in  the  unreserved  interchange  of  friend- 
ly thoughts  and  feelings,  our  conversation  more  than  once  turned  on  my 
views  of  ecclesiastical  polity  and  church  matters  generally,  when  you  em- 
phatically declared  your  conviction,  that  with  my  general  sentiments  on 
religion,  and  my  mode  of  reasoning  on  its  doctrines  (particularly  referring 
to  a  sermon  I  preached  for  you),  I  would  certainly  be  brought  to  wTiat 
you  considered  orthodox  views  of  the  Church.  You  further  stated  that 
you  had  a  design- upon  me,  and  from  the  manner  in  which  you  spoke,  the 
thought  was  raised  within  me  that  you  looked  forward  to  the  event  now  in 
agitation,  for  you  expressed  a  conviction  that  such  an  appointment  would 
infallibly  set  me  right  on  all  points.  Such  remarks  were  well  calculated 
to  make  impression  on  such  a  frail  being  as  myself,  and  that  impression 
was  occasionally  conveyed  to  others,  though  not  in  a  serious  way. 

You  perceive,  then,  the  reason  of  this  letter  —  lest  perchance  these  things 
should  be  remembered  and  brought  against  you  in  the  way  of  reproach  for 
inconsistency,  and  lest  you  might -suppose  they  came  from  myself,  in  the 
way  of  complaint.  They  were  stated  by  me  before  I  knew  of  your  oppo- 
sition (for  indeed  T  did  not  certainly  hear  of  it  till  your  letter  came,)  and 
I  hope  they  have  not  been  thought  of,  or,  if  thought  of,  will  never  be  spo- 
ken of  by  any  to  whom  I  may  have  spoken. 

But,  my  good  friend,  even  if  you  had  said  the  above  in  the  utmost  seri- 
ousness, and  intended  them  to  be  understood  in  themanner  they  were,  I 


142  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

can  now  give  jou  an  honorable  acquittal,  by  stating  that  though  since  we 
were  together,  I  have  read  more  extensively  on  the  aforesaid  subject,  and 
though  I  am,  upon  every  examination  into  the  history  of  our  Church,  and 
of  its  character,  more  attracted  to  it,  more  convinced  of  its  accordance 
with  Scripture,  and  its  tendency  to  promote  true  religion,  and  banish  er- 
ror from  the  Christian  world,  still  I  cannot  ex  animo,  subscribe  to  some  in- 
ferences which  you  and  others  draw  from  the  doctrines  and  constitution  of 
the  Church,  and  in  which  indeed  I  cannot  but  think  you  go  both  beyond 
Scripture  and  the  Church  Although,  therefore,  I  think  you  place  an  un- 
due emphasis  on  certain  points,  yet  you  act  consistently  and  conscien- 
tiously in  withholding  your  vote  from  one  thinking  differently,  especially 
when  another  is  proposed  whom  you  think  more  correct,  in  your  estimate. 
I  will  only  add  that  I  sincerely  pray  that  all  who  are  engaged  in  this  trans- 
action may  be  endued  with  the  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  pure  and 
peaceable,  that  a  spirit  of  moderation  may  pervade  the  whole  proceeding, 
and  that  God  himself  may  preside  in  the  midst,  directing  their  delibera- 
tions to  His  glory  and  the  welfare  of  His  people.  The  adversary  will  be 
also  there,  I  am  sure,  to  set  on  fire  the  tongues  and  hearts  of  disputants, 
from  hell,  and  his  agents  upon  earth  will  then  be  ready  to  exclaim,  "  Tan- 
tcene  animos  coelesiihus  iroe.''  And  even  if  soft  words  should  be  the  or- 
der of  the  day,  let  all  beware  lest  an  enemy  should  say, 

• . 
"  3fel  in  ore,  verba  laciis, 
Fel  in  cordc,  fraus  infactis." 

I  have  only  to  add  that  my  wife  sends  her  love  to  you,  and  sincerely 
thanks  you  for  your  honest  zeal  in  her  cause.  My  own  will  be  reserved 
until  we  meet,  and  will  then  be  proportioned  to  your  merits  and  my  feel- 
ings. 

Yours  sincerely  and  aflfectionately, 

William  Meade. 

Those  on  each  side  were  active  in  their  endeavors  to 
secure  the  election  of  their  favorite.  The  press,  corres- 
pondence, and  personal  influence,  were  plied  to  the  limit 
of  Christian  propriety.  The  excitement  pervaded  the 
Diocese.  The  Church  generally  participated  in  the  inter- 
est, and  awaited  the  result  with  great  solicitude. 

When  the  Convention  had  assembled,  and  the  clerical 
vote  was  taken,  it  appeared  that  of  the  ballots  cast,  there 
was  a  majority  of  one,  in  favor  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade. — 
But  as  there  was  one  of  the  clergy  (the  Eev.  Byrd  Wil- 
son) who,  though  in  attendance  at  the  Convention,  neither 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP  MEADE.  143 

voted  nor  was  present  when  the  ballots  were  deposited,  it 
was  contended  that  though  the  Eev.  Mr.  Meade  had  re- 
ceived a  majority  of  the  clerical  votes  cast,  yet  not  having 
received  the  votes  of  a  majority  of  the  clergy  in  attendance, 
no  nomination  had  been  made.  Such  was  the  decision  of 
the  Chair,  and  divided  as  the  Convention  was,  that  deci- 
sion could  not  be  reversed.  For  the  same  reason  it  was 
useless  to  make  anoth"er  attempt  to  nominate.  From  the 
demonstration  made,  it  miejht  have  been  safelv  concluded 
that  the  vote  was  stereotyped,  or  if  not,  so  slight  a  change 
on  either  side  would  be  decisive,  that  both  deemed  it  pru- 
dent to  avoid  the  experiment,  each  hoping  to  gain  strength 
by  delay.  So,  the  Convention  adjourned,  without  having 
accomplished  the  object  for  which  it  had  assembled. 

Whether  the  decision  of  the  Chair  was  parliamentary 
or  not — whether  the  candidate  whose  course  gave  occa- 
sion for  the  decision  comtemplated  such  a  possibility,  and 
whether,  when  the  hindrance  which  he  caused,  became 
apparent,  he  ought  not  to  have  obviated  it  by  decisive  ac- 
tion of  his  own  —  are  questions  not  necessary  for  discus- 
sion here.  Mr.  Meade  would  no  doubt  have  proved  a 
blessing  to  that  or  an}'  other  Diocese  over  which  he  might 
be  placed.  But  for  himself — who  can  estimate  the  trials 
to  which  he  must  have  been  subjected  if  the  efforts  of  his 
friends  had  succeeded  in  effecting  his  election,  and  secur- 
ing his  acceptance  ?  God,  in  His  good  providence  reserved 
him  for  more  congenial  associations,  and  for  a  sphere  of 
usefulness  for  which  he  was  pre-eminently  adapted. 

AVith  Bishop  White  himself,  and  many  of  those  who 
favored  the  election  of  the  Eev.  Dr.  Wilson,  Mr.  Meade 
had  always  been  in  most  friendly  intercourse,  and  he  now 
felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  attempt  to  heal  the  dissensions 
with  which  he  had  been  innocently  connected,  or  at  least 
to  separate  himself  entirely  from  the  strife.  With  this 
view  he  visited  Philadelphia  in  November,  and  after  an 
interview  with  Bishop  White,  in  which  he  communicated 


144  MEMOIR   OF,  BISHOP    MEADE. 

to  him  his  design,  and  received  his  approval,  a  meeting 
was  arranged,  in  which  each  of  the  opposite  sides  was  to 
be  represented  by  three  of  its  prominent  supporters,  to 
whom  the  proposal  of  Mr.  Meade  was  to  be  submitted. 
This  meeting  was  held  in  Bishop  White's  ^udy,  both  he 
and  Mr.  Meade  being  present.  The  arrangement  pro- 
posed by  Mr.  Meade  was  unanimously  accepted.  The  ac- 
tion to  which  it  led,  and  the  result  of  the  effort  will  ap- 
pear from  the  following  documents  and  correspondence : 

(circular.) 

Philadelphia,  Nov.  24,  1826. 
Sir: 

At  an  interview  which  took  place  on  the  18th  inst.,  (in  the  presence  of 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  White,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade,  of  Virginia)  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Kemper,  Boyd,  Bedell  and  DeLancey,  and  Messrs.  Binney  and 
Samuel  J.  Robbins  concurred  in  the  expediency  of  putting  the  annexed 
question  to  the  clergy  and  principal  laymen  of  the  Churches,  and  of  meet- 
ing on  Monday  the  jL8th  of  December,  1826,  at  the  house  of  the  Bishop, 
at  7  o'clock,  P.  M.,  to  Communicate  their  opinions. 

The  undersigned  are  prepared  to  answer  the  question  in  the  affirmative ; 
and  it  is  understood  that  those  who  so  answer  it,  pledge  themselves  to 
act  in  conformity. 

You  are  respectfully  requested  to  transmit  your  opinion,  written  under 
the  question,  to  the  Rev.  Jackson  Kemper,  so  that  it  may  be  received  by 
him  on  or  before  the  .15th  day  of  December  next. 
We  are,  Sir,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servants, 

Jackson  Kemper, 
George  Weller, 
John  C.  Lowber, 
Charles  Wheeler, 
James  Montgomery, 
HoR.  Binney.  J.  R.  Ingersoll. 

QUESTION. 

Is  it  expedient  not  to  propose  the  choice  of  an  assistant 
Bishop  at  the  next  State  Convention,  nor  at  any  future 
time,  during  the  life  of  the  present  Bishop,  without  at 
least  six  months'  previous  notice  to  the  clergy  and  Church- 
es, by  the  Bishop  ? 


memoir  of  bishop  meade.  145 

(circular.) 

Hev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Since  the  adjournment  of  the  late  Special  Convention,  the  subject  which 
then  interested  us  so  much,  and  in  relation  to  which  we  were  so  happilj 
united,  has  assumed  a  new  aspect,  under  which  it  becomes  our  duty  to 
view  it,  and  to  decide  upon  the  course  hereafter  to  be  pursued.  Hitherto, 
we  trust,  we  have  acted  according  to  the  will  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
with  a  pure  intention  to  seek  and  promote  His  glory.  Let  us  still  keep 
our  eye  single,  continue  instant  in  prayer,  and  watch  the  leadings  of  His 
providence,  nothing  doubting  that  He  will  favorably  regard  our  sincere 
endeavors.  The  change  which  has  taken  place  ought  not  to  diminish 
our  hopes,  or  prevent  us  from  using  all  suitable  means  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  our  ardent  wishes.  The  Church  is  under  the  care  of  its  ever- 
living  Head.  Its  interests  are  never  lost  sight  of,  and  its  purity  will 
eventually  be  secured.  For  a  time  it  may  mourn  in  captivity  ;  the  world 
may  lay  waste  her  fair  palaces,  and  trample  under  foot  her  sacred  enclo- 
sures ;  but  the  time  to  favor  Zion,  yea,  the  set  time  will  come,  when  the 
servants  of  the  Lord  will  take  pleasure  in  in  her  stones,  and  favor  the  dust 
thereof. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Meade,  while  attending  the  late  General  Conven  tion,  after 
the  most  serious  consideration,  and  having  referred  the  matter  to  the  Lord, 
made  known  to  some  of  his  friends  that  he  had  come  to  the  conclusion, 
not  to  accept  the  office  of  an  Assistant  Bishop  in  this  Diocese,  under  ex- 
isting circumstances,  if  it  should  be  oflFered  to  him.  His  reasons  for  this 
determination  he  did  not  state.  It  is  supposed  however,  that  the  present 
divided  state  of  the  Church,  and  the  opposition  of  the  present  Bishop, 
were  among  the  chief. 

Under  these  circumstances,  Mr.  Mkade  considered  it  a  matter  of  no  little 
importance  to  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  Church,  that  the  choice  of  a 
Bishop  in  this  Diocese,  should  not  take  place  during  the  lifetime  of  the 
present  Diocesan  ;  provided  that  a  pledge  could  be  obtained  from  those  on 
both  sides  of  this  interesting  question,  that  the  matter  should  not  be 
brought  forward  except  by  mutual  consent,  and  after  a  sufficient  notice. 

To  deliberate  upon  this  subject,  Mr.  Meadb  requested  a  few  persons  oir 
both  sides,  to  meet  at  the  hou§e  of  Bishop  White,  on  Thursday,  16th  inst., 
when  it  was  agreed  by  all  present,  to  propose  the  following  inquiry,  in 
order  that  the  opinions  of  the  brethren  throughout  the  State  might  be 
ascertained. 

PROPOSED  INQUIRY. 

Whether  it  is  expedient  not  to  propose  the  choice  of  an  Assistant  Bishop 
at  the  next  State  Convention,  nor  at  any  time  during  the  lifetime  of  the 

7 


146  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

present  Bishop,  "without  at  least  six  months'  previous  notice  to  the  clergy 
and  churches  by  the  Bishop? 

Messrs.  Kemper,  Bedell,  DeLancey,  Binney,  Bobbins  and  Boyd  con- 
curred in  the  expediency  of  putting  this  question  to  the  clergymen  and 
principal  laymen  of  the  churches,  and  of  meeting  on  Monday,  the  18th  of 
December  next,  at  the  house  of  the  Bishop,  at  1  o'clock,  P.  M.,  to  com- 
municate their  opinions. 

It  was  understood  at  the  meeting  that  every  person  answering  to  the 
above  inquiry  in  the  affirmative,  should  consider  himself  pledged  not  to 
bring  forward  the  subject  himself —  to  oppose  its  being  brought  forward 
by  any  other  person,  and  in  the  event  of  its  being  proposed,  to  refuse  to 
act  in  reference  thereto. 

.  We  deem  it.proper  to  state  the  reasons  which  have  operated  upon  the 
undersigned  to  consent  to  the  above  inquiry,  and  to  think  favorably  of  the 
proposed  stipulations. 

First.  We  thereby  retain  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meade  as  our  candidate,  trusting 
in  God  that  at  some  future  time  he  may  be  elected  without  opposition.' 

Secondly.  We  thereby  consult  the  peace  of  the  Church,  which  could  not 
fail  to  be  interrupted  by  pressing  the  matter  at  the  approaching  Convention. 

Thirdly.  An  example  of  forbearance  is  thereby  furnished,  which  cannot 
fail  to  recommend  the  cause  we 'serve. 

Fourthly.  An  opportunity  is  afforded  to  all  persons  concerned,  to  be- 
come better  acquainted  with  the  character  of  Mr.  Meade,  who  must  be 
beloved  wherever  he  is  known. 

Lastly.  The  election  of  an  Assistant  Bishop  will  thereby  be  put  off, 
until  it  may  be  had,  without  inferfering  witn  the  wishes  of  the  present 

Diocesan. 

George  Boyd, 
G.  T.  Bedell, 
Samuel  J.  Robbins. 


Philadelphia,  Nov.  26,  1826. 


Philadelphia,  Dec.  16,  1826. 


To  Rev.  Mr.  Meade, 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother : 
'  It  has  been  stated  here,  and  seems  to  be  the  impression  of  some  of  those 
who  are  most  deeply  interested  in  the  matter,  that  at  the  meeting  alluded 
to  in  the  enclosed  circular,  ypti  made  a  statement  to  the  following  effect: 
"  If  the  election  of  an  Assistant  Bishop  for  the  Diocese  of  Pennsylvania  be 
agitated  by  those  who  voted  for  we,  at  the  late  Special  Convention,  during 
the  life  of  the  present  Diocesan,  Iioill  not  accept  the  offer,  should  I  he  chosen 

but  should  the  subject  be  brought  forward  by  the  other'party,  I  am  wil- 

lino-  to  be  taken  up  as  a  candidate."     Will  the  fact  that  I  am  a  member  of 
this  Diocese  be  a  sufficient  apology  for  my  asking  you,  whether  or  not  you 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  147 

did  make  such  a  declaration  ?  If  you  did  not,  will  it  be  agreeabje  to  you 
to  state  (as  far  as  you  may  deem  it  proper),  what  you  did  say,  on  that  oc- 
casion?   My  best  respects  to  Mrs.  M.  and  to  Mr.  Nelson's  family. 

.Yours  very  respectfully, 

J.  W.  RiDGELY. 

P.  S.  If  you  think  proper  to  favor  me  with  a  reply,  I  should  be  glad  to 
receive  it  as  soon  as  practicable. 

Dec.  23,  1826. 
Dear  Brother  : 

Yours  of  the  18th  inst.,  has  just  come  to  hand,  and  I  make  not  a  mo- 
ment's delay  in  answering  it.    You  say,  "It  has  been  stated  here,  and 
seems  to  be  the  impression  of  those  most  deeply  interested  in  the  matter, 
that  at  the  meeting  alluded  to  in  the  enclosed  circular  (that  is,  a  meeting 
at  Bishop  White's,  on  the  IGth  of  November)  you  made  a  statement  to  the 
following  et^'ect, —  "  if  the  election  of  an  Assistant  Bishop  for  the  Diocese 
of  Pennsylvania,  be  agitated  by  those  who  voted  for  me  at  the  Special 
Convention,  during  the  life  of  the  present  Diocesan  ;  I  will  not  accept  the 
office  should  I  be  chosen.     But  should  the  subject  be  brought  forward  by 
the  other  party,  I  am  willing  to  be  taken  up  as  a  candidate."     You  wish 
to  know  if  any  such  statement  was  made  by  me,  and  if  not,  what  was 
said.     Certainly  no  such  statement  was  made  at  that  meeting.     Those  who 
suppose  so,  must  have  confounded  what  I  said  to  several  individuals  at 
other  times  and  places  to  the  same  effect,  with  what  passed  on  the  occasion 
alluded  to.     After  having  spent  some  days  in  Philadelphia,  and  earnestly 
endeavored  to  ascertain  the  path  of  (^iity,  it   seemed  to  me,  very  clear, 
that,  under  existing  circumstances,  the  agitation  of  the  subject  of  an  As- 
sistant Bishop  any  longer,  until  the  state  of  things  had  greatly  changed, 
would  be  very  wrong  indeed,  and  that  it  was  incumbent  upon  me  to  exert 
what  little  influence  I  might  have  to  prevent  it.     It  seemed   to  me  also, 
that  the  proper  course  to  be  pursued,  was  to  say  to  both  parties,  "Let  me 
advise  and  entreat  you  to  desist  from  what  must  be  injurious  to  religion 
and  the  Church."      "To  my  supporters  I  say,  if  you  will  not  follow  this 
counsel,  then  you  must  choose  some  other  candidate,  since  I  absolutely  re- 
fuse."    To  those  who  were  opposed  to  my  election  I  say,  "  if  you  persist 
in  the  agitation  of  the  subject  —  things  may  be  as  thc}^  were, —  I  return  to 
that  perfect  silence  hitherto  observed,  and  if  any  choose  to  vote  for  me  and 
succeed,  the  subject  will  then  be  fairly  before  me  for  consideration."  Such 
was  the  languge  I  used  in  speaking  to  brothers  Boyd,  Bedell,  DeLancey, 
and  Montgomery,  as  well  as  I  remember,  some  days  before  the  meeting  at 
Bishop  White's.     I  was  pleased  to  discern  a  disposition  in  them  and  others, 
to  adopt  the  method  I  recommended,  and  When  we  came  together  at  Bishop 
White's,  such  an  agreement  ajjpearcd  as   to  the*pacific  course  to  be  pur- 
sued, that  uo  such  sentiurent  or  expression  as  that  ascribed   to  me,  was 


148  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

called  for.  I  said  but  little  ;  nor  was  much  needed— that  little  was  in  op- 
position  generally  to  the  office  of  Assistant  Bishop,  and  especially  under 
existing  circumstances,  in  Pennsylvania.  By  the  expression  of  the  senti- 
ment and  resolution  above  mentioned,  to  the  individuals  also  specified,  and 
to  some  few  others,  I  meant  to  go  as  far  as  I  could,  in  condemning  either 
party  which  should  adopt  so  improper  a  course.  It  becomes  me,  however, 
in  candor  to  say,  that  the  more  I  reflected  upon  the  subject,  the  more  un- 
willing I  felt  to  be  at  all  engaged  in  it,  and  the  less  probability  appeared 
of  my  being  induced  under  any  circumstances  to  accept  the  office.  So 
that,  if  on  the  evening  alluded  to,  I  had  been  called  on  to  renew  the  senti- 
ment and  declaration,  I  should  have  declined  from  a  consciousness  that  it 
would  bo.  wrong  to  suffer  myself  to  be  a  candidate  for  an  office,  which 
nothing  could  induce  me  to  accept  under  the  circumstances  contemplated. 
It  becomes  me  also,  here  to  allude  to  a  few  words  which  passed  between 
brother  Boyd  and  myself  at  St.  Paul's  Church  the  evening  befor.e  I  left 
Philadelphia.  He  said  they  all  agreed  as  to  the  propriety  of  postponing 
all  further  proceedings  in  relation  to  the  election,  until  a  different  state  of 
things  should  arrive,  but  still  wished  to  look  forward  to  myself,  at  some 
future  period  as  the  person  to  fill  the  office  of  Bishop.  I  replied  to  him 
that  it  was  a  matter  for  themselves  to  determine  whom  they  should  keep 
before  them,  as  the  object  of  their  wishes  and  hopes,  and  that  T  could  not 
tell  what  might  appear  to  me  the  path  of  duty,  at  some  future  day,  and 
under  a  change  of  circumstances,  —  but  that  I  ^  could  not  encourage  that 
hope,  when  I  saw  no  probability  that  I  could  ever  be  induced  to  remove 
from  my  present  situation,  where  Providence  seemed  to  have  planted  me. 
After  all  that  passed  between  myself  and  those  friends,  who  honored  me 
with  their  suffrages  for  an  office,  to  which  I  am  too  unequal,  I  feel  sur- 
prised and  sorry  to  perceive  in  the  printed  circular  you  have  sent  me,  that 
terms  are  used,  which  are  calculated  to  make  the  impression  on  those  who 
read  it,  that  I  consent  to  be  held  up  as  a  candidate,  in  "the  hope  of  more 
union,  and  by  so  consenting,  give  reason  to  believe,  that  I  may  and  will 
accept  the  same  under  more  favorable  c  rcumstances.  I  feel  it  my  duty 
to  say,  that  however  pleasing  the  thought  of  promoting  peace  (which  was 
the  first  that  presented  itself  to  my  mind)  and  however  powerful  the  ap- 
peal would  be  to  my  feelings,  should  agreement  take  place  in  behalf  of 
myself,  yet  even  that  does  not  appear  to  me  to  have  any  thing  like  the 
weight  of  those  considerations  which  oppose  your  wishes  in  this  behalf 
and  constrain  me  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  the  much  humbler  sphere  which 
Providence  has  assigned  me.  Such  being  the  result  of  all  my  prayers  and 
reflections  and  consultations,  and  being  more  and  more  confirmed  every 
day,  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  communicate  the  same  through  you  to  our  com- 
mon friends,  with  the  desire  that  they  will  henceforth  turn  their  attention 
to  some  one,  more  worthy  of  and  suitable  to  the  important  and  difficult 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  149 

station  to  be  filled.  If  with  sincere  prayers  for  direction,  and  a  single  eye 
to  the  glory  of  God,  you  seek  th«  path  of  duty,  it  will  be  made  plain  be- 
fore you,  and  God  Himself  will  send  you  the  Bishop  of  His  own  heart. 
Let  me  beg  you  to  remember  me  afifectionately  to  all  the  brethren.  My 
wife  desires  to  be  remembered  kindly  to  you.  May  you  be  useful  and 
happy  in  the  gospel  ministry,  is  the  prayer  of 

Your  sincere  friend  and  brother, 

"W,  Meade. 

Philadelphia,  Dec.  27,  1826. 
To  Rev.  W.  Meade,  » 

Rev.  and  -Dear  Brother  :  • 

It  has  fallen  to  my  lot  to  address  you  again  on  the  same  subject  which 
constituted  the  interestof  a  preceding  communication.  The  plan  proposed 
has  resulted  in  no  such  termination  as  you  desired,  as  ihere  was  an  almost 
universal  disinclination  among  our  friends  to  bind  themselves  by  a  pledge, 
inasmuch  as  by  so  doing,  they  might  be  constrained  to  go  counter  to  the 
evident  leadings  of  God's  good  providence.  We  deeply  regret  that  any 
such  course  has  been  pursued,  as  it  has  had  no  small  tendency  to  give  dis- 
satisfaction to  some  of  our  warmest  friends,  and  has  given  our  opponents 
much  causfe  of  boasting,  as  if  they  had  overcome  us  by  some  master-stroke 
of  policy.  As  matters  now  stand,  there  is  every  probability  that  this  most 
important  question  will  be  agitated  at  the  next  Convention,  and  we  only 
desire  to  act  as  God  may  evidently  appear  to  direct.  If  you  withdraw 
from  us,  we  may  be  defeated,  as  there  is  no  other  individual  upon  whom 
there  can  be  so  unhesitating  an  union,  and  if  our  counsels  are  divided,  the 
prospect  of  having  a  Bishop  such  as  we  desire,  will  almost  be  totally  pre- 
cluded. In  this  case  would  it  be  right  —  would  it  be  consistent  with  your 
duty  to  God  and  to  His  Church,  to  deny  us  the  privilege  of  placing  on  you 
this  ofiBce?  I  know  your  objections,  but  are  they  to  stand,  when  the  in- 
terests of  religion  are  so  deeply  concerned  ?  What  has  been  gained  by  the 
concifiatory  course  you  have  so  generously  desired  to  pursue?  It  has  been 
said  that  your  course  was  dictated  by  the  certainty  that  opposition  would 
be  made  to  your  consecration,  and  that  you  did  not  choose  to  meet  the  issue 
of  this  question.  Can  your  friends  suffer  you  to  rest  under  this  imputa- 
tion ?  But,  my  dear  brother,  there  are  still  more  serious  matters  weigh- 
ing on  our  minds.  Since  the  tremendous  annunciation  of  Bishop  Hobart 
under  the  signature  of  J.  H.  H.,  in  the  Recorder,  we  have  been  led  to  ex- 
amine the  whole  matter  with  most  painful  anxiety,  and  we  have  conclu- 
ded that  should  Bishop  Griswold  and  Bishop  Chase  be  removed  by  death, 
that  we  might  now  be  able  to  succeed  in  the  consecration  of  one  who 
viewed  the  matters  of  serious  religion  in  the  same  aspect  with  ourselves. 
It  is  incumbent  on  us,  if  possible,  to  add  to  the  House  of  Bishops.  You 
cannot  but  have  noticed  the  hostile  attitude  of  Bishop  Hobart,  and  permit 


150  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

me  to  ask  if  you  are  not  willing  to  help  us,  as  Ave  must  fight  this  battle,  or  else 
be  held  for  ages  in  the  same  bondage  uncter  which  the  Church  has  already 
too  much  groaned?  Will  you  desert  us  in  this  extremity?  We  put  it  to 
your  conscience  in  the  sight  of  God.  Would  it  be  possible  for  you  to  con- 
template the  blasted  prospects  of  the  Church  in  this  Diocese,  while  the  con- 
viction must  ever  press  upon  your  mind,  that  you  might  have  prevented  it  ? 

Bishop  White  would  be  personally  opposed  to  ^^ou  —  so  he  would  be  to 
.any  one  we  should  elect — but  it  must  be  known  to  you,  that  he  would 
be  less  opposed  to  yofl  than  to  any  other  individual  we  could  name,  and 
the  very  fact  of  your  election  would  soon  entirely  dissipate  all  his  unpleas- 
ant feeling^  But  as  a  servSftt  of  Him  who  counted  ijo  sacrifices  dear,  so 
that  the  salvation  of  perishing  sinners  was  accomplished,  are  you  not  will- 
ing to  encounter  a  Short,  temporar}^  inconvenience  ?  We,  who  have  desired 
that  you  should  be  set  over  us  in  the  Lord,  have  not  stirred  in  this  business 
without  commending  it  to  the  Lord;  and  the  train  of  providences  has  been 
so  wonderful,  that  we  cannot  but  see  that  our  steps  have  been  directed. 
With  the  same  reliance  on  our  Master,  and  the  same  sense  of  our  great  re- 
sponsibility, and  with  the  same  confidence  in  you,  our  brother,  we  desire 
that  we  may  not  be  disappointed  in  our  hope.  Agreeabiy  to  the  wishes 
of  a  large  meeting  of  Clergy  and  Laity,  I  have  written  this  letter,  and 
have  expressed  my  feeHngs  strongly,  because  I  do  feel  most  deeply  how 
much  the  welfare  of  our  Zion  is  connected  with  this  application.  We  ask 
of  you,  my  brother,  that  you  will  return  one  simple  answer,  and  we  point 
you  for  that  answer  to  the  11th  chapter  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  and 
the  1*7 th  verse,  last  clause. 

We  think. that  we  have  acted  in  strict  accordance  with  the  will  of  God. 
We  have  no  wish  apart  from  His  good  pleasure.  If,  in  a  far  different 
sense  from  that  expressed  by  our  present  Diocesan,  we  are  compelled  to  see 
the  death  of  the  child,  we  shall  mourn  in  sackcloth,  until  God  sees  fit  to 
remember  Zion  in  His  mercy. 

I  remain,  my  dear  brother,  » 

Yours,  in  the  Lord, 

G.  T.  Bedell. 
A  speedy  answer,  if  you  please. 

Millwood,  Jan.  4,  182 
Rev.  and  Dear  Brother : 

Yesterday's  mail  brought  me  your  letter  of  the  27th  ult,,  and  I  seat  my- 
self to  comply  with  your  request  of  a  speedy  answer.  The  "subject  of  which 
it  treats,  important  as  it  is,  having  now  been  so  long  before  my  mind,  and 
the  occasion  of  so  much  prayer,  reflection  and  consultation,  I  do  not  re- 
quire more  time  for  deliberation.  The  conviction  that  it  is  my  duty  posi- 
tively to  decline  the  high  honor  and  sacred  office  you  and  your  friends 
would  put  upon  me,  only-  gains  strength  from  time  and  reflection.     In 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  151 

your  first  communication  on  this  subject,  your  only  request  was  that  I 
would  not  absolutely  refuse  to  be  put  in  nomination  for  the  contemplated 
office,  but  allow  my  friends  to  proceed  as  Providence  seemed  to  direct,  and 
defer  any  decision  on  my  part  until  all  the  circumstances  could  be  placed 
before  me,  and  the  will  of  God  made  more  evident.  Unexpected,  unwished 
for,  nay,  opposed  to  all  my  strongest  and  dearest  ties  upon  earth  as  this  re- 
quest was,  yet  did  it  appear  to  myself,  and  those  friends  with  whom  I  had 
an  opportunity  of  consulting,  as  one  which  a  man  solemnly  devoted  to  God 
could  not  with  propriety  refuse,  at  any  rate  without  much  and  serious  con- 
sideration. Under  this  persuasion,  I  silently  assented  to  the  request,  not 
knowing  what  might  be  the  will  of  God,  and  determined  sincerely  to  seek 
after  it.  The  more  I  reflected  on  the  subject,  the  more  wera  my  feelings 
and  judgment  opposed  to  the  proposition,  yet,  so  short  was  the  space  of 
time  allotted  for  the  decision,  so  distant  the  scene  of  contest,  and  so  igno- 
rant was  I  of  the  circumstances  transpiring,  that  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  per- 
severe in  the  silent  course  I  had  adopted,  and  permit  my  friends  to  proceed 
in  the  measures  they  had  commenced.  It  is  a  matter  of  great  consolation 
to  me  that  in  so  doing,  I  intended  to  do  right,  and  if  I  erred,  God  will 
bring  good  out  of  evil.  To  show  the  progressive  state  of  my  mind  with 
regard  to  this  interesting  subject,  it  becomes  me  to  mention  that  as  the  pe- 
riod of  the  decision  approached,  (although  I  did  not  feel  myself  permitted 
to  forbid  ray  nomination  after  all  that  had  occurred),  I  became  so  persua- 
ded in  my  own  mind,  that  it  would  not  be  proper  for  me  to  accept  the  of- 
fice, if  ofiered  to  me,  that  I  declared  to  many  of  my  friends,  that  unless 
stronger  and  more  numerous  arguments  than  I  had  either  heard  or  thought., 
.of,  were  offered  to  me  (and  I  felt  sure  none  could),  I  should  certainlj^  re- 
fuse. Providence  happily  relieved  me  from  the  painful  task  of  contradict- 
ing the  wishes,  and  disappointing  the  zealous  efforts  of  so  many  known  and 
unknown  friends.  I  felt  happy  in  the  belief  that  I  had  done  what  appear- 
ed to  be  duty,  and  that  good  would  be'  the  permanent  result. 

It  seemed  that  my  duty,  however,  would  not  be  complete  without  an  at- 
tempt to  postpone,  and  by  postponing,  at  least  to  mitigate  an  evil  which 
threatened  so  much  mischief  to  religion  and  the  Church.     In  this,  you  in- 
form me  I  have  failed.     If  I  have  erred  in  judgment,  as  doubtless  many  i 
suppose,  I  pray  God  to  avert  the  evil  likely  to  ensue. 

If  those  who  think  differently  err  (as  I  fear  they  do),  may  God  cither 
correct  their  error  before  it  is  too  late,  or  bring  good  out  of  it  to  Ilis 
Church,  which  not  even  the  gates  of  Hell,  much  less  the  errors  of  its  friends 
shall  destroy.  As  to  the  motivas  to  which  you  say  my  conduct  is  ascribed 
(in  withdrawing  from  this  contest),  I  hope  I  have  learned  ere  this,  to  take 
comfort  in  the  Apostolic  words,  "  It  is  a  small  thing  for  me  to  be  judged 
of  man's  judgment.  He  that  judgeth  is  the  Lord."  But  ought  we  to  be 
either  troubled  or  surprised  at  such  things,  when  we  are  conscious  of  so 


152  MEMOIR   OP  BISHOP   MEADE. 

much  corruption  "working  "within,  of  so  many  selfish  motives  ever  operat- 
ing upon  us,  of  so  much  sin  mixing  itself  "with  our  very  best  deeds?  Let 
it  rather  lend  us  to  scrutinize  and  purify  our  motives,  and  endeavour  that 
our  actions  be  singly  directed  to  the  glory  of  God.  Let  it  also  produce 
another  most  desirable  effect,  in  making  us  more  charitable  in  our  con- 
structions upon  the  conduct  of  others.  When  "we  are  conscious  of  being 
influenced  by  the  best  motives  of  which  human  nature,  aided  by  Divine 
grace,  is  capable,  and  yet  men  ascribe  our  conduct  to  selfishness  and  cow- 
ardice, let  us  resolve  that  we  will  not  follow  their  example,  but  will  banish 
all  unworthy  suspicions  from  our  bosoms,  and  cherish  that  charity  which 
"hopeth  all  things,"  unless  indeed  the  contrary  be  too  evident,  and  the 
cause  of  sacred  truth  demanl5s  the  exposure  of  hypocritical  design. 

I  have  thus,  nay  dear  brother,  through  you,  opened  my  heart  to  those 
friends  who  have  hitherto  endeavored  to  elevate  me  to  a  station  for  which 
I  think  Providence  never  designed  me.  In  sending  this  refusal  to  co-ope- 
rate with  them,  I  also  send  my  most  earnest  prayers  for  Heaven's  direction 
and  blessing  to  them,  in  the  very  important  work  in  which  they  are  en- 
gaged. May  God  grant  to  your  prayers,  one,  who  from  the  best  of  mo- 
tives desireth  the  office  of  a  Bishop,  and  in  the  best  of  ways,  shall  perform 
every  duty  of  the  office.  And  may  the  God  of  peace  be  with  you,  prays 
Your  sincere  friend  and  brother, 

William  Meade. 

Rev.  G.  T.  Bedell. 

Philadelphia,  Jan.  5,  1827. 
Rev.  William  Meade. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir: 

The  interest  you  took  when  last  in  this  city,  in  promoting  an  under- 
standing between  the  Clergy  and  Laymen  who  were  on  opposite  sides  upon 
the  question  of  an  Assistant  Bishop,  entitles  you  to  know  the  result  of  the 
measures  then  adopted  on  your  advice.  I  therefore  take  the  liberty  of  en- 
closing you  a  printed  circular,  which,  after  the  meeting  at  the  house  of 
Bishop  White,  was  signed  by  the  Rev  Mr.  Kemper,  a  few  other  gentlemen 
,  and  myself  (Mr.  De  Lancey  having  been  absent  from  the  city),  and  ad- 
dressed to  the  Clergy  and  Laymen  in  the  Diocese,  whose  opinions  at  the 
late  Convention  had  coincided  with  our  own.  On  the  evening  of  the  18th 
of  December  last  Mr.  Kemper,  Mr.  DeLancey  and  myself  attended  at  the 
Bishop's  study,  agreeably  to  appointment.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Boyd  and  Mr. 
Robbins  were  also  present.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Bedell  was,  it  was  said,  unable 
to  attend  by  reason  of  an  engagement.  It  was  stated  by  myself,  I  believe, 
that  we  were  prepared  to  express  the  sentiments  of  our  friends  upon  the 
proposition  which  had  been  drawn  up  at  the  previous  meeting  ;  and  it  was 
asked  whether  Mr.  Boyd  and  Mr.  Robbins  were  ready  to  do  the  same.    The 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  153 

replj  given  by  one  of  those  gentlemen  was,  that  they  were  not ;  that  they 
had  received  but  few  answers  from  those  to  whom  they  had  addressed  a 
circular  upon  the  subject,  but  that  judging  from  communications  made  by 
five  out  of  eight  gentlemen  from  whom  an  answer  had  been  received,  and 
from  conversations  with  the  Clergy  and  Laymen  in  the  city,  it  was  not  be- 
lieved that  the  proposition  would  be  assented  to,  at  all  events  Mr.  Boyd 
and  Mr.  Robbins  were  then  unable  to  express  any  such  assent. 

It  was  asked  on  our  part,  whether  a  further  meeting  was  desired,  to  give 
another  opportunity  for  collecting  the  opinions  of  gentlemen  who  had 
omitted  to  answer  the  circular.  Mr.  Boyd  replied  that  he  was  willing  to 
attend  such  a  meeting  if  others  wished  it,  but  that  he  would  not  say  he 
desired  it,  and  finally,  upon  both  Mr.  Boyd  and  Mr.  Robbins  saying  that 
they  did  not  believe  there  would  be  an  assent  to  the  proposition,  the  meet- 
ing was  adjourned,  with  an  understanding  that  if  they  should  perceive  any 
good  in  another  meeting,  before  the  first  of  the  next  year,  they  were  to 
give  us  notice,  and  we  would  again  ask  the  Bishop  to  receive  us  in  his 
study.     The  time  has  now  expired  without  any  such  notice. 

This,  Reverend  Sir,  is,  I  believe,  an  accurate  but  concise  statement  of  the 
occurrences  at  the  Bishop's  house  on  the  18th  of  December. 

The  circular  is  sent  to  you,  that  you  may  know  in  what  spirit  we  com- 
municated with  our  friends.  They  promptly  answered  us  in  the  same 
spirit;  so  that  we  were  authorized  to  express  the  assent  of  21  clergymen 
and  41  laymen  of  the  Diocese  to  the  proposition  which  had  your  approba- 
tion, and  ultimately  that  of  all  the  gentlemen  convened  at  the  house  of 
Bishop  White  on  the  18th  November.  What  is  to  be  the  result  of  the  dis- 
sent which  I  think  may  be  inferred  from  the  last  conference,  I  cannot  pre- 
dict. That  we  are  again  to  witness  a  scene,  at  the  recollection  of  which 
the  friends  of  the  Church  ought  to  weep,  I  hope  is  not  possible ;  but  as 
the  interview  at  which  the  proposition  in  question  was  stated  and  adopted, 
was,  I  think,  at  your  suggestion  —  and  as  certainly  my  own  part  in  it  was 
exclusively  induced  by  your  declaration,  that  if  this  course  should  not  be 
acceded  to  by  those  who  professed  to  be  your  friends,  you  would  not  per- 
mit them  to  use  your  name  in  the  controversy,  I  have  thought  it  my  duty 
to  make  the  communication  to  you.  I  beg  to  assure  you  that  no  part  or 
vote  which  I  may  have  taken  or  given  in  this  matter,  is  otherwise  than  per- 
fectly consistent  with  the  sincere  personal  respect  of 
Reverend  and  dear  sir. 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

liOR  :    BiNNEY. 

Horace  BiNNEY,  Esq.,  Jan   11,1827. 

Dear  Sir: 

Yours   of  the    5th   inst.,  has  just  come   to    hand,   and    I  feel  it  my 

duty  to  acknowledge  the  same,  not  merely  in  courtesy,  but  to  assure  you 

7* 


154  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

of  the  continuance  of  those  views  and  sentiments  which  influenced  my 
conduct  while  in  Philadelphia,  touching  the  subject  of  your  letter. 

It  was  not  without  much  and  serious  deliberation,  nor  without  previous 
conversation  with  individuals  on  both  sides  of  the  question,  that  they 
might  consider  it  well,  and  not  be  hastily  led  into  any  measure,  that  I  ob- 
tained my  own  consent  to  be  the  author  of  the  proposition  submitted. 
Still  thinking  that  it  is  the  measure  most  likely  to  conduce  to  the  peace 
and  prosperity  of  the  Church,  I  regret  that  it  does  not  prove  more  uni- 
versally acceptable.  If  I  have  erred  and  recommended  an  injudicious 
course,  I  pray  God  to  defend  His  Church  against  the  injurious  effects  of  it. 
Most  sincerely  do  I  hope  that  all  the  objections  which  presented  themselves 
to  my  mind  against  the  first  agitation  or  renewal  of  this  subject,  may 
prove  groundless,  and  not  only  the  actors  in  it  be  justified  before  God  and 
man,  in  all  that  they  have  done,  or  shall  do,  hut  that  the  result  may  be 
for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  His  Church.  The  path  of  duty  now 
appears  plain  before  me.  In  accordance  with  a  resoultion  taken  and  de- 
clared while  in  Philadelphia,  I  must  now  absolutely  and  entirely  withdraw 
from  all  future  participation  in  this  controversy.  In  so  doing,  I  only  act 
in  compliance  with  what  appears  to  be  my  duty  from  various  other  con- 
siderations. As  one  solemnly  devoted  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God  in 
any  station  he  might  assign  me,  I  did  not  feel  myself  permitted  in  the 
first  instance  to  refuse  any  consideration  of  so  important,  and  so  unex- 
pected a  proposal,  lest  I  might  be  disregarding  the  voice  of  God.  I  there- 
fore silently  consented  to  be  voted  for,  resolving  honestly  to  seek,  and 
steadily  pursue  the  path  of  duty.  All  the  reflections  of  my  own  mind  and 
all  the  advice  of  my  best  and  most  judicious  friends  have  conspired  to  form 
and  fix  a  resolution,  not  to  accept  the  office,  even  if  offered  under  the 
most  flattering  circumstances. 

Some  clays  before  the  receipt  of  j-our  letter,  I  had  communicated  this 
determination  to  those  friends  who  had  honored  me  with  their  support  for 
the  important  office  to-be  filled.  In  so  doing,  I  have=  the  pleasing  con- 
sciousness of  having  endeavored  to  make  my  whole  conduct  proceed  from 
the  best  motives,  of  which  my  corrupt  nature  is  capable,  and  now  commit 
the  event  to  that  Providence  who  maketh  all  things  work  together  for 
good. 

In  conclusion,  allow  me  to  hope  that  the  next  Convention  in  Pennsylva- 
nia may  be  as  different  from  your  apprehension,  as  the  last  General  Con- 
vention was  from  mine,  and  that  the  result  of  both  may  be  most  favorable 
to  the  cause  of  true  ])iety  throughout  our  Church. 

Accept  for  yourself,  my  dear  Sir,  the  assurances  of  my  high  esteem  and 
the  best  wishes  for  your  temporal  and  eternal  welfiire. 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

W.«Mead:e. 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  155 

(^Ante  Communion  service). — During  the  deep  depression  of 
the  Church  in  Yirginia,  when  her  extinction  was  predicted 
by  some,  and  assumed  by  others,  the  rubrical  directions 
connected  wj^h  the  prescribed  forms  of  public  service,  and 
various  offices  set  apart  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer, 
were  very  imperfectly  observed.  The  Church  itself  had 
almost  disappeared,  and  it  could  scarcely  be  expected  that 
her  peculiarities  would  be  maintained  in  full  and  sym- 
metrical order.  Public  services  were  rare — prayer-books 
scarce  —  the  liturgy  when  attempted,  of  necessity  con- 
ducted in  a  fragmentary  and  feeble  way.  "With  the  reviv- 
al of  the  Church,  and  the  increasing  opportunities  and 
facilities  for  religious  services,  there  was  a  readiness  on 
the  part  of  ministers  and  people,  to  renew  the  sus- 
pended privileges  of  the  Sanctuary  by  conforming  to  the 
order  for  prayers,  as  incucated  by  the  rubrics.  This  was 
not,  at  once,  equally  practicable  in  all  places,  but  it  was 
generally  and  honestly  essayed.  Mr.  Meade  relates,  that 
''  when  in  1811, 1  took  charge  of  the  congregation  in  Alex- 
andria, so  unaccustomed  were  the  people  to  join  in  the 
service,  that  I  tried  in  vain  to  introduce  the  practice,  un- 
til I  fell  on  the  expedient  of  making  the  children,  who,  in 
large  numbers,  came  weekly  to  my  house  to  be  catechised, 
go  over  certain  parts  of  the  service  and  psalms  with  me, 
and  after  having  thus  trained  them,  on  a  certain  Sabbath, 
directed  them  to  respond  heartily  and  loudly  in  the  midst 
of  the  grown  people.  They  did  their  part  well,  and  com- 
plete success  soon  attended  the  plan." 

"The  practice  of  those  who  engaged  in  the  resuscitation 
of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  was,  to  use  the  morning  service 
and  litany,  and  to  omit  the  Ante-Communion  service  ex- 
cept on  Communion'  days.  This  was  introduced  among 
us  by  the  brethren  who  came  from  Maryland — the  Eev. 
Dr.  Wilmer,  Norris,  and  Lemmon,  who  doubtless  believed 
that  it  was  according  to  the  design  of  those  who  arranged 
the  American  Book  of  Common  Prayer.     They  quoted  as 


15'6  MEMOIR    OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

authority  the  declaration  and  practice  of  the  Eev.  Dr. 
Smith,  who,  as  insij  be  seen  in  the  Journals  of  our  earliest 
General  Conventions,  took  a  leading  j)art  in  the  changes 
of  the  Prajer-Book.  Dr.  Smith,  after  leaving  Philadel- 
phia, settlned  in  Chestertown,  Maryland,  where  it  was  de- 
clared he  never  used  the  Ante-Communion  service.  Dr. 
Wilmer  was  one  of  his  successors,  and  said  that  it  was 
affirmed  also,  that  Dr.  Smith  avowed  himself  to  have  been 
the  author  of  one  or  more  of  the  rubrics,  on  the  meaning 
and  design  of  which,  rested  the  question  of  obligation  to 
use  the  Ante-Communion  service  every  Sabbath,  and  that 
he  had  in  view  the  permission  to  leave  it  optional  with  the 
minister.  I  am  aware  that  Bishop  White  expressed  a  diff- 
erent opinion,  and  that  his  practice  was  otherwise.  Nor 
do  I  purpose  to  discuss  the  question,  or  to  take  sides,  but 
only  to  state  the  authority  on  wliich  the  Virginia  custom 
was  advocated." 

"  From  the  first  every  minister  has  been  allowed  the  free 
exercise  of  his  conscience  and  judgment  in  regard  to  it. 
For  a  time  Bishop  Moore,  who  had  been  accustomed  to  the 
fuller  service  in  the  city  of  New  York,  was  disposed  to 
urge  the  same  on  the  clergy  of  Virginia,  but,  after  some 
observation  and  experience,  became  satisfied  that  it  was 
best  to  leave  it  to  the  discretion  of  each  minister,  and 
though  in  his  own  parish,  he  always  used  it,  never  required 
the  same  in  his  visits  to  others." 

This  diversity  of  practice  was  by  no  means  peculiar  to 
the  clergy  of  Maryland  and  Virginia.  This  was  intimated 
to  Bishop  Hobart,  by  Mr.  Meade,  in  a  conversation  which 
occurred  during  the  session  of  the  General  Convention,  in 
1823.  To  the  statement^ that  some  of  his  own  clergy, 
chiefly  in  Western  New  York,  indulged  in  this  practice,  he 
was  unwilling  to  assent.  But,  at  the  opening  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  of  1826,  he  took  Mr.  Meade  aside,  and 
said,  that  on  inquiry  he  had  found  that  Mr.  Meade  was 
correct,  and  that  he  "  meant  to  propose  something,  which, 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  157 

he  thought,  would  satisfy  all  parties,  and  produce  a  happy 
uniformity  throughout  the  Church." 

This  2:)lan  was  soon  introduced  into  the  House  of  Bish- 
ops, where  it  was  passed  unanimously,  and  sent  to  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies.  Here  also,  with 
some  slight  modification,  it  was  adopted  and  transmitted 
to  the  several  Dioceses  for  consideration,  preparatoiy  to 
final  action  by  the  next  General  Convention.  The  pream- 
ble declares,  that  "  the  House  of  Bishojis,  solicitous  to 
preserve  unimpaired  the  liturgy  of  the  Church,  and  yet 
desirous  to  remove  the  reasons  alleged  from  the  suj^posed 
length  of  the  service,  for  the  omission  of  some  of  its  parts, 
and  particularly  for  the  omission  of  that  part  of  the  Com- 
munion office  which  is  commonly  called  the  Ante-Com- 
munion, do  unanimously  propose  to  the  House  of  Clerical 
and  Lay  Deputies  the  following  resolutions"  : 

Resolution  1,  provides  that  the  minister  shall  not  be 
confined  to  the  Psalter  as  divided,  or  the  selections,  but 
may  substitute  any  other  Psalm  or  Psalms,  ext?ept  on  those 
days  on  which  ''  proper  Psalms  are  appointed." 

Resolution  2,  provides  that  the  minister  might  read  only  a 
portion  of  the  lessons,  not  less  than  fifteen  verses ;  and  on 
other  than  Sundays  and  holy  days,  when  morning  and 
evening  daily  prayer  is  used,  that  he  might  substitute 
other  portions  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  for  the  pre- 
scribed lessons. 

Resolution  3,  provides  an  alternate  for  the  preface  to  the 
Confirmation  service  —  the  Bishops  finding  the  existing 
one,  is  frequently  not  well  suited  to  the  age  and  charac- 
ter of  those  who  are  presented  for  this  holy  ordinance. 

Resolution  4.  To  provide  against  the  injurious  misappre- 
hension of  certain  terms  in  the  first  collect  in  the  office  of 
Confirmation,  proposed  to  insert  the  words  "  in  baptism" 
between  "hast  vouchsafed"  and  to  "regenerate  " — thus 
identifying  baptism  and  regeneration,  and  declaring 
them  convertible  terms.     And  then  to  guard  against  the 


158  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

error  of  supposing  that  the  regeneration  in  baptism,  is 
"the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost" — it  is  declared  to  be  a 
titular  kind  of  regeneration  or  investment  promissory, 
actual  possession  to  be  secured  with  the  terms  of  the 
covenant. 

Resolution  5,  provided  for  rendering  the  use  of  the  Ante- 
Comniunion  service  obligatory  on  all  Sundays  and  other 
holy  days." 

At  this  same  Convention,  a  canon  was  introduced,  de- 
signed to  render  the  use  of  the  Ante-Oommunion  as  pro- 
posed, immediately  obligatory.  As  this,  if  passed,  would 
secure  the  fifth  resolution  at  once,  as  a  law  of  the  Church, 
and  leave  the  other  parts  of  the  plan  to  the  uncertainty^  of 
Diotjcsan  action,  and  of  confirmation  by  the  next  General 
Convention  —  the  movement  looked  suspicious  and  awak- 
ened  painful  apprehension  in  the  minds  of  some  —  lewt  it 
might  be  a  plan  under  the  influence  of  the  whole  in  pros- 
pect, to  enact  a  |)art  forthwith,  and  then  abandon  in  the 
future,  those  provisions  of  the  plan  which  rendered  this 
particular  part  passable. 

Sometime  after  the  adjournment  of  the  General  Con- 
vention, the  existence  of  these  unpleasant  impressions 
was  made  kn^wn  to  Bishop  Hobart.  He  promptly  ad- 
dressed the  following  letter  to  Francis  S.  Key,  Esq.,  with 
a  request  that  he  would  communicate  its  contents  to  Mr. 
Meade,  adding  as  a  reason  for  not  writing  to  him,  that  he 
did  not  know  his  post-ofiice. 

New  York,  Jan.  30,  182*7. 
Fkancis  S.  Key,  Esq.  : 

Dear  Sir : 
•My  friend,  Judge  Emott,  intimated  to  me  some  short  time  since, 
tliat  bethought  you  and  Mr.  Meade  were  unpleasantly  impressed  with  the 
circumstance  that  the  original  propositions  from  the  House  of  Bishops 
were  connected  with  a  canon  enforcing  the  Ante-Communion  office  ;  inas- 
much as  the  former  propositions  would  not  be  definitely  acted  upon  until 
three  years  hence,  and  the  latter  would  go  into  immediate  operation.  I 
ought  to  mention  to  you  that  this  camon  was  not  brought  forward  by  me, 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    :MEADE.  J59 

and  though  in  favor  of  it,  yet  as  soon  as  I  discovered  that  it  was  not  re- 
garded as  quite  fair,  bj  those  who  omitted  it  (the  ante-communion  service), 
to  enjoin  its  use  before  they  were  allowed  to  abbreviate  in  other  respects, 
the  service,  I  proposed  to  the  Bishops,  that  this  subject  should  assume  the 
shape  in  which  it  now  comes  forward.  I  do  assure  you,  that  my  object 
was,  to  settle  the  discropaucies  which  prevail  in  the  use  of  the  liturgy,  in 
a  manner  suiting  all  parties  ;  and  I  was  highly  gratified  by  the  frank  and 
Cordial  support  which  this  attempt  received  from  yourself,  Mr.  Meade,  Mr. 
Henshaw,  and  others.  If  successful,  I  flattered  myself  that  one  principal 
cause  of  crimination  among  us,  would  be  removed,  and  that  the  conten- 
tions thence  resulting,  might  be  settled  and  prevented.  I  have  been  very 
much  surprised,  that  this  matter  has  not  been  received  in  the  same  spirit 
which  dictated  it,  and  that  propositions  which  do  not  leave  out  any  o:ae 
part  of  the  liturgy,  but  enforcing  all,  merely  give  license  to  shorten  two, 
should  be  represented  as  attacks  upon  the  liturgy,  which  endanger  it,  when 
the  very  object  is  "to  preserve  it  unimpaired."  The  license,  too,  as  to 
lessons  in  theyyeek,  I  consider  most  necessary.  Having  prayers  on  Wednes- 
days and  Fridays  and  Saints'  days,  I  have  been  forcibly  struck  then,  as  well 
as  at  Confirmations,  with  the  unsuitablen'ess  of  the  prescribed  lessons.  So, 
in  the  Confirmation  offiee,  the  present  preface  has  always  struck  me  as 
insufficient  and  rather  tame,  and  the  expressions  in  the  prayer  are  lia- 
ble to  be  misunderstood,  and  create  serious  objections,  (I  have  found,  on 
the  part  of  many,)  to  receiving  the  ordinance.  The  object  of  the  proposed 
prayer,  was  not  to  relinquish  the  expression  of  regeneration  as  applied  to 
baptism,  but  to  guard  against  the  misconstruction  that  would  make  this, 
synonymous  with  renovation,  sanctification,  conversion,  or  any  other 
terms,  by  which  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost  might  be  denoted.  I  can 
account  for  those  who  are  satisfied  with  a  state  of  things  in  which  they 
think  they  have  sufficient  plea  for  shortening  the  service  as  they  please, 
being  opposed  to  propositions  which  aim  at  producing  uniformity.  But  I 
cannot  account  for  the  opposition  of  those  who  contend  for  this  uni- 
formity. They  M-ould  prefer,  as  it  seems  rigidly  enforcing  the  "vvhole  of 
the  service  as  it  now  stands  (as  in  the  Charleston  Gospel  Messenger,  p.  23) 
by  the  authority  of  the  Church.  But  this  is  not  so  easy,  nor  I  think  so 
desirable  a  mode  as  that  which,  by  a  "little  legal  liberty"  seeks  peaceably 
to  prevent  "license  without  bounds." 

You  must  not  blame  the  Publishing  Committee  in  New  York,  with  the 
delay  in  publishing  the  Hymns.  They  were  ready  for  publication  in  a 
few  weeks  after  the  meeting  of  the  Convention,  but  the  copyright  commit- 
tee in  Philadelphia  have  not  yet  decided  who  shall  have  the  copyright. 
Both  these  matters  should  have  been  entrusted  to  the  same  committee.  I 
was  much  pleased  with  the  unanimity,  with  which,  in  the  committee,  we 
got  through  that  matter,  and  think  we  shall  have  a  very  good  set  of 


160  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

Hymns.  J  have  been  erroneously  supposed  to  be  opposed  to  Hymns.  On 
the  contrary,  1  was  in  favor  of  the  Hymns  set  forth  in  Baltimore  in  1808. 
The  only  apprehension  has  been  the  exclusion  of  Psalms.  The  Hymns  set 
forth,  exhibit  as  I  conceive,  the  exercises  of  the  penitent,  believing  and 
devout  soul. 

May  I  ask  you  to  give  to  Mr.  Meade  the  explanations  on  the  first  page 
of  this  letter,  as  to  the  Canon,  &c.,  and  to  convey  to  him  my  best  regards. 
I  do  not  know  his  |30st-ofiice,  or  I  would  write  to  him. 
I  am,  Dear  Sir, 

Very  sincerely  Yours, 

J.    H.    HOBART. 

Mr.  Key  forwarded  this  letter  to  Mr.  Meade,  to  which 
he  replied  : 

Millwood,  Frederick  Co.,  Virginia, 

Feb.  10,  1827. 
Right  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

I  received  last  evening  a  letter  from  my  friend,  Mr.  Key,  enclosing  one 
from  yourself,  designed  for  myself  as  well  as  him.  I  should  be  wanting  in 
common  courtesy  as  well  as  Christian  feeling,  not  to  reply  to  the  message 
sent  to  me  therein,  especially  as  it  was  connected  with  a  remark  that  you 
would  have  communicated  the  same  by  letter,  had  you  known  my  direction. 

It  is  indeed  true,  as  stated  by  your  friend  Judge  Emott,  that  a  very  pain- 
ful impression  was  made  upon  me  by  the  manner  in  which  the  canon  relat- 
ing to  the  Ante-Communion  service,  was  introduced.  It  was  the  more 
painful,  because  so  unexpected  from  what  had  passed  between  us,  and 
because  it  fell  upon  a  heart  softened  by  the  blessed  assurance,  that  a  spirit 
of  conciliation  was  to  be  the  ruling  spirit  of  the  Convention.  I  was  pre- 
viously prepared  to  rejoice  in  the  proposition  from  the  House  of  Bishops, 
because  the  subject  had  for  the  last  six  months  occupied  my  thoughts  and 
engaged  my  prayers  at  a  throne  of  grace.  I  earnestly  desired  that  some 
method  might  be  devised  which  might  puta  stop  to  dispute,  which  I  have  long 
considered  as  disgraceful  to  the  Church,  and  injurious  to  religion.  I  had 
almost  come  to  a  conclusion  to  introduce  the  subject  myself,  if  no  one  else 
would.  At  any  rate,  I  had  determined  (as  I  mentioned  to  you  in  New 
York)  to  speak  of  it  to  Bishop  White,  as  well  knowing  his  sentiments  on 
the  subject,  and  urge  him  to  do  this  last  act  of  kindness  to  the  Church. 
The  transactions  of  the  Pennsylvania  Convention,  and  some  intimations 
thrown  out  (as  I  understood)  and  indeed  Bishop  White's  addresses  would, 
however,  have  prevented  my  taking  any  steps  in  such  a  manner,  for  rea- 
sons sufficiently  obvious.  It  was,  however,  with  equal  surprise  and 
pleasure  that  I  found  from  yourself  and  Bishop  Cross,  that  other  heads 
and  hearts  had  been  engaged  in  the  same  cause,  and  must  we  not  believe 
,  under  the  influence  of  one  Spirit? 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  161 

This  pleasure  was  indeed  for  a  time  suspended,  or  rather  turned  into 
chagrin  and  disappointment  by  the  canon  above  mentioned.  The  readi- 
ness with  which  the  House  of  Bishops  consented  to  make  the  desired  alter- 
ations, at  once  restored  me  to  mj  first  pleasing  assurance.  It  gives  me  ad- 
ditional pleasure  to  learn  from  your  letter,  that  yourself  was  the  author  of 
the  proposition.  At  the  very  time  of  receiving  your  letter,  I  was  engaged 
in  looking  over  the  Psalter  and  the  Lessons  (which  I  had  been  long  intend- 
ing to  do),  in  order  to  come  to  a  conclusion  in  my  own  mind  as  to  the  ex- 
pediency of  the  proposed  change.  The  result  of  my  examination  as  to  the 
Psalms  is,  a  full  conviction  that  the  plan  of  leaving  the  selection  of  a  Psalm 
or  Psalms  to  the  minister,  as  Bishop  White  advocated  in  the  first  Conven- 
tions of  the  Church,  is  the  best,  and  indeed  the  only  good  one.  I  am  sur- 
prised that  I  was  never  struck  before  with  the  imperfection  of  the  present 
mode.  Let  any  one  read  over  the  Psalter,  and  strike  out  those  which  are 
peculiar  to  David's  state  of  mind  under  his  troubles,  and  which  contain 
certain  passages  which,  in  their  present  translation,  at  least  are  objectiona- 
ble as  a  part  of  public  worship  ;  those  also  which  are  peculiar  to  the  Jew- 
ish nation  and  to  ancient  times,  and  which,  by  comparison  at  least,  are  un- 
suitable to  Christian  worship,  and  he  will  find  the  nunrber  of  Psalms  likely 
to  interest  and  edify  a  Christian  assembly,  very  much  reduced.  According 
to  the  present  plan  of  division,  many  of  the  best  Psalms  are  never  read  at 
all.  For  instance,  in  perhaps  four-fifths  of  our  churches  there  is  no  after- 
noon or  night  service,  and  thus  one-half  of  the  Psalms  are  left  out  as  to 
them,  as  they  only  use  the  morning  division.  Again,  there  are  some  of  the 
divisions  which  contain  the  damnatory  Psalms,  which  we  dislike  to  hear, 
or  read  in  public,  and  therefore  turn  to  the  selections,  although  there  are 
some  of  the  finest  Psalms  in  the  same  division,  which  are  of  course,  lost  to 
the  service.  This  plan  also  brings  the  selections,  especially  one  or  two  of 
the  shorter  ones,  into  too  frequent  use,  to  the  neglect  of  other  Psalms. 
Again,  two-fifths  of  the  Psalms  are  read  over  two  or  three  times  each  year, 
and  it  often  happens  that  these  are  the  most  indifferent.  Now,  surely,  any 
minister  might  do  better  than  this  for  himself,  and  regularly  present  to  the 
congregation  the  most  interesting  and  edifying  Psalms.  Many  of  them 
are  long  enough  to  answer  one  at  a  time,  and  sometimes  two  short  ones  are 
together,  which  may  be  conveniently  read.  The  plan  proposed,  I  there- 
fore think,  far  to  be  preferred. 

As  to  the  lessons  for  Sundays,  although  many  of  them  are  sufficiently 
short,  and  others  could  not  with  propriety  be  curtailed,  yet  there  are  many 
others  which  might,  not  only  innocently  but  usefully,  be  abbreviated. 
Witness  the  chapters  in  St.  John,  and  I  would  particularly  refer  to  the  25th 
of  St.  Matthew,  all  of  which  is  appointed  to  be  read  at  one  lesson,  but 
which  consists  of  three  distinct  parables.  The  first  of  these  is  only  thir- 
teen verses,  the  second  and  third  are  about  twenty,  and  are  most  impressive 


162  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

lessons,  whose  eflfect,  in  my  opinion,  would  be  greater  when  read  separate- 
ly, than  when  all  three  are  read  together.  The  lessons  then  would  be  more 
like  the  Epistles  and  Gospels  at  present,  and  I  believe  more  useful  and  im- 
pressive. 

So  far  as  they  go,  I  am  therefore  pleased  with  the  alterations,  and  can  see 
no  harm,  but  much  good  from  them,  but,  though  I  would  have  been  op- 
posed to  the  general  omission  of  the  Litany,  as  proposed  to  be  allowed  ini 
the  first  instance,  yet  I  should  be  glad  to  see  such  permission  granted  on 
Communion  days,  when  the  service  is  so  much  lengthened,  and  other  ex- 
cellent prayers  added.  This  is  particularly  desirable  in  the  country,  where 
all  the  congregation  must  stay  in,  during  the  administration,  or  be  improp- 
erly engaged  without  the  house,  waiting  for  those  who  commune.  I  hope 
such  alterations  will  yet  be  made,  or  at  least  silently  be  permitted.  Upon 
the  whole,  I  am  more  and  more  deeply  impressed  with  the  conviction  that 
if  some  arrangement  suitable  to  the  state  of  the  Church,  and  according 
with  the  general  sentiment  as  to  the  inexpedient  length  of  it,  be  not  made,. 
a  heavy  guilt  will  rest  upon  us.  Nothing  can  prevent  it  but  pride,  ob- 
stinacy, prejudice  and  uncharitableness,  and  if  we  will  bite  an^  devour 
one  another,  we  shall  be  consumed  one  of  another,  and  become  a  laugh- 
ing-stock to  our  enemies  that  malign  us."  I  have  seen  the  objections  in 
the  Recorder  and  the  Gospel  llessenger,  and  should  like  to  see  the  defence 
in  the  Christian  Journal.  If  you  can  procure  a  copy  of  the  number  which 
has  it,  you  will  confer  a  favor  by  sending  it  to  me. 

I  have  said  nothing  as  to  the  proposed  change  in  the  Confirmation 
service,  not  having  examined  the  subject  as  I  wish,  and  intend  to  do. 
It  seems  to  be  good  so  far  as  it  goes,  but  why  could  not  another  prayer 
on  the  same  plan  be  introduced  into  the  baptismal  service,  and  allowed 
to  be  used  in  place  of  the  one  which  we  must  now  use,  but  which  I 
never  do  without  pain,  because  its  plain  literal  meaning  contradicts  my 
belief?  I  have  thus,  my  dear  sir,  freely  laid  open  my  sentiments  to  you 
in  relation  to  the  subjects  now  agitating  the  Church.  I  sincerely  ho  pe 
the  measure  proposed  may  secure  the  integrity  and*  uniform  observance 
of  the  service,  and  thus  remove  one  fruitful  source  of  much  uncharitable 
feeling  amongst  us.  Although  I  cannot  be  a  High  Churchman,  according 
to  your  view  of  the  subject,  yet  I  trust  *my  conviction  of  the  excellency 
and  spiritual  character  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  my  attachment  to 
her  doctrine,  discipline  and  worship,  will  ever  make  me  desirous  to  know 
and  do  what  will  promote  her  best  interests. 

Sincerely  hoping  that  you  may  succeed  in  infusing  a  spirit  of  concilia- 
tion into  those  who  usually  think  and  act  with  you,  but  now  differ  from 
3^ou,  and  that  you  may  enjoy  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  much  good  arise 
from  your  exertions,  I  remain,  with  the  best  wishes  and  prayers, 
Yours  respectfully  and  affectionately, 

WJLLIA.M  Meade. 


MEMOIR   OF -BISHOP    MEADE.  163 

Sickness  detained  Bishop  Moore  from  the  General  Con- 
vention which  adopted  the  resohitions  prepared  by  Bishop 
Hobart,  and  transmitted  them  to  "the  several  State  Con- 
ventions, to  be  acted  upon  at  the  next  General  Convention, 
according  to  the  8th  article  of  the  Constitution."  When 
a  copy  reached  him,  the  whole  proposal  met  with  his  de- 
cided condemnation,  and  in  his  address  to  his  Convention 
he  fully  expressed  the  fears  which  he  experienced — ^stat- 
ing that  the  Church  had  prospered  in  the  use  of  the  Lit- 
urgy handed  down  to  us  by  our  fathers — that  the  pro- 
posed alterations  would  destroy  uniformity  of  worship  — 
that  it  would  render  the  public  worship  of  God  as  various 
as  the  minds  of  the  Clergy — that  the  old  members  of  the 
Church  would  be  grieved — that  the  guards  to  uniformity 
being  removed,  innovations  would  be  multiplied — the  peo- 
ple lose  their  reverence  for  the  services,  and  the  Church 
receive  the  most  vital  injury.  The  high  estimation  of  the 
Liturgy  expressed  by  distinguished  divines  of  other  de- 
nominations was  adverted  to,  and  the  hope  and  prayer  ut- 
tered, that  "the  Church  in  Virginia  will  never  be  induced 
to  depart  from  her  prescribed  forms,  but  will  defend  the 
Liturgy  in  all  its  integrity,  at^^d  prove  to  the  Christian 
world  that  we  reverence  the  opinions  of  our  fathers,  and 
are  satisfied  with  that  system  of  doctrine  which  they  ven- 
erated, and  which  they  so  highly  valued." 

After  this  earnest  address,  the  proposed  alterations  were 
referred  to  a  select  committee.  In  their  report,  made  the 
next  day,  they  recommended  a  series  of  resolutions,  de- 
claring each  of  the  changes  to  be  "uncalled  for  and  inex- 
pedient," and  that  "the  delegation  to  the  next  General 
Convention  be  instructed  to  use  their  exertions  to  prevent 
their  adoption."  This  report  was  then  laid  upon  the  table. 
At  the  Convention  of  1829,  it  was  called  up  and  carefully 
examined,  and  discussed  in  Committee  of  the  "Whole.  The 
result  was,  the  recommendation  of  the  follov^'ing  preamble 
and  resolutions,  which  were  adopted  by  the  Convention : 


J  64  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

J' The  Convention  of  this  Diocese  having  had  under  long 
and  serious  consideration,  the  proposed  alterations  in  the 
rubric,  relative  to  the  order  of  our  service,  and  also  to  the 
proposed  additions  to  the  Confirmation  service,  is  con- 
strained to  express  its  dissent  from  the  proposed  changes,' 
believing  that  they  are  not  likely  to  effect  that  most  desi- 
rable end  contemplated  by  the  advocates  of  the  same ; 
therefore. 

Resolved,  That,  zealously  attached  to  the  Book  of  Com- 
mon Prayer  and  other  offices  of  our  Church,  this  Conven- 
tion is  desirous  that  no  alterations  should  take  place  in  the 
same,  at  this  time." 

On  these  proceedings,  and  the  manner  in  which  the 
whole  plan  was  disposed  of,  Mr.  Meade  observes:  "But 
for  this  appeal  (Bishop  Moore's  to  the  Virginia  Conven- 
tion of  1826),  and  a  tender  regard  to  the  feelings  of  the 
Bishop,  I  believe  that  the  Church  in  Virginia  would,  by 
its  silence  at  least,  have  consented  to  the  action  of  the 
General  Convention,  although  none  of  us  were  satisfied 
with  some  things  in  it.  I  took  occasion  at  another  Con- 
vention (1829),  when  the  delegates  to  the  General  Conven- 
tion were  directed  to  vote  against  the  proposed  change,  to 
declare  my  continued  conviction,  that  the  action  of  the 
General  Convention  had  been,  on  the  Avhole,  calculated  to 
do  good — though  I  meant  not  to  oppose  what  had  been 
determined  on  in  the  Convention  of  Virginia.  The  adop- 
tion of  the  changes  would  have  effected  much  of  what  now 
seems  to  be  desired.  Had  the  change  proposed,  whereby 
the  meaning  of  baptismal  regeneration  was  fixed  at  the 
lowest  point,  been  adopted,  there  would  have  been,  by  an- 
ticipation, a  protest  of  the  whole  Church  against  all  that 
flood  of  error,  in  relation  to  the  effects  of  baptism  of  in- 
fants, which  has  since  been  brought  in  by  the  Tractarian 
heresy.  I  would  not,  however,'  be  understood  as  endorsing 
Bishop  Hobart's  mode  of  explaining  our  baptismal  serv- 
ice, as  I  believe  another  is  more  consistent  with  the  whole 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  165 

tenor  of  our  service,  of  which,  the  hypothetical  theory,  or 
the  judgment  of  charity  is  the  way  for  their  true  under- 
standing. The  lead  which  Virginia  took  in  opposition  to 
the  measure,  was  followed  by  some  other  Conventions; 
and  as  it  failed  to  give  general  satisfaction,  Bishop  Hobart 
proposed  its  withdrawment,  and  it  was  accordingly  with- 
drawn, and  the  obligation  to  use  the  Ante-Communion  ser- 
vice on  every  Sabbath,  was  left  to  rest  on  its  former  doubt- 
ful foundation.  The  Bishops  had  indeed  expressed  their 
opinion  that  it  was  obligatory,  but,  it  was,  of  course,  only 
an  opinion,  wanting  the  force  of  law,  as  the  General  Con- 
vention had  never  adopted  it,  nor  did  the  Bishops  claim 
more  for  it." 

The  whole  measure  seems  to  have  been  an  ingeniously 
devised  plan  of  the  Bishop  of  ^N'ew  York,  to  effect  two  ob- 
jects which  he  had  much  at  heart — uniformity  in  the  use 
of  the  Ante-Communion  service,  and  of  faith  in  the  mat- 
ter of  baptismal  regeneration.  The  first  was  to  be  accom- 
plished by  legislative  action,  rendering  that  unquestionably 
binding,  which,  the  proposal  itself,  recognized  as  being  by 
some,  considered  of  doubtful  obligation.  The  second  was 
to  be  effected  by  an  authoritative  interpolation  of  the  first 
Collect  of  the  ofiice  of  Confirmation,  so  as  to  confine  re- 
generation to  the  administration  of  Baptism,  as  then,  and 
therein,  surely  conferred  —  also  defining  it  as  solely  ^'■titu- 
lar,'' and  "  guarding  it  against  the  misconstruction  which 
would  make  this  synonymous  with  renovation,  sanctifica- 
tion,  conversion,  or  any  other  words  by  which  the  agency 
of  the  Holv  Ghost  mio-ht  be  denoted." 

The  practical  objection  to  the  use  of  the  Ante-Commu- 
nion service  on  all  Sundays  and  holy  days,  was,  that  except 
when  there  was  communion,  it  unnecessarily  extended  the 
service,  which,  on  ordinary  occasions,  was  said  to  be  long 
enough  without  this  addition.  To  conciliate  those  who 
took  this  ground,  it  was  proposed  to  give  to  ministers  lib- 
erty to  curtail  the  Lessons  to  fifteen  verses  each,  and  the 


166  MEMOIR    OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

Psalter  for  the  daj-to  a  single  Psalm,  to  be  selected  at  will 
— thus  saving  time  by  the  abridgment  in  the  Lessons  and 
Psalms,  to  allow  the  Ante-Communion  to  be  read,  without 
making  the  whole  service  longer  than  the  simple  Morning 
Prayer,  as  now  prescribed.  The  object,  clearly,  was  not 
to  effect  greater  uniformity  in  general,  but  to  secure  the 
use  of  the  Ante-Communion  on  all  Sundays  and  other 
holy  days;  and  the  policy  was  to  legalize  great  diversity 
in  the  use  of  the  Lessons  and  Psalter,  in  consideration  of 
enjoining  the  us.e  of  the  Ante-Communion,  as  proposed. 
It  would  not  be  easy  to  explain  this  ijartiality^  or  to  justify 
the  cost  at.  which  it  was  tq  be  gratified*. 

The' proposal  to  limit  and  settle  by  authoritative  decla- 
ration, the  thieological  import  of  the  term  regeneration^  and 
bind  it  to  the  administration  of  Baptism,  was  liable  to  more 
serious  objection,  especially  if  there  be  "a  more  consistent 
explanation."  The  one  proposed  might  indeed  have  prov- 
ed "a  protest,  by  anticipation,  of  the  whole  Church  against 
that  flood  of  error  in  relation  to  the  effects  of  infaiit  bap- 
tism, which  has  been  since  brought  in  by  Tractarian  here-. 
sy" — but  this,  on  the  supposition,  would  only  have  been 
the  protest  of  legal iz.ed  error  against  that  which  was  not 
— an  antagonism  in  which  the  truth  has  no  interest,  and 
could  receive  no  benefit  except  in  their  mutual  extermina- 
tion. 

The  Church  may  be  satisfied  that  a  measure  wdiich 
strangely  numbered  among  its  supporters  those  who  were 
generally  found  in  opposition  to  each  other,  should  have 
been  defeated  by  as  extraordinary  a  concurrence  of  others, 
who  rarely  harmonized  in  Conventional  action. 

The  Church  had  not  yet  attained  the  state  necessary  to 
effect  what  had  been  honestly  purposed,  but  happily  failed 
in  the  form  in  which  it  was  essayed.  Perhaps  the  only 
plan  which  could  have  succeeded,  would  have  been  to  leave 
existing  formularies  untouched,  and  as  Mr.  Meade  else- 
where suggests — to  act  according  to  precedent  in  other 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  1G7 

cases — prepare  an  alternate  collect  to  be  used  after  Bap- 
tism, consisting  of  such  expressions  only  as  would  not  be 
unacceptable  to  the  advocate  of  either  theor}^  on  the  sub- 
ject. Where  this  course  has  been  pursued,  it  has  ha^  the 
happiest  effect  in  abating  dissension,  and  obviating  diffi- 
culties experienced  by  honest  minds.  Beyond  such  provis- 
ion nothing  can  be  judiciously  done,  till  it  please  God,  all 
see  eye  to  eye,  and  'can  conscientiously  and  intelligently 
concur  in  the  definite  expression  of  positive  truth. 

(^Assistant .  Bishop.) — In  his  address  to  the  Convention 
of  1828,  Bishop  Moore  expressed  his  earnest  desire  for  the 
appointment  of  an  assistant  in  .the  performance  of  the 
duties  of  the  Episcopate. 

"  Before  I  conclude,  there  is  one  more  point  to  which  I 
think  it  my  duty  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Convention, 
and  as  a  year  must  necessarily  elapse  before  a  final  deter- 
mination of  the  question  can  take  place,  w^e  shall  have 
full  time  allowed  us  for  reflection  and  deliberation." 

"  Although  my  labors  during  the  past  year  have  been 
equal  to  the  labors  of  any  preceding  twelve  months,  still 
from  my  advanced  age,  it  is  impossible  for  me  .to  calculate 
on  a  long  continuance  of  such  effort  and  exertion.  'It  is 
my  wish,  provided  the  Convention  think  proper,  so  to  alter 
the  Constitution  of  the  Church,  as  to  admit  of  the  conse- 
cration of  a  suffragan  or  an  assistant  Bishop  in  this  Dio- 
cese. It  was  proposed  several  years  ago,  in  consequence 
of  the  great  extent  of  the  Diocese,  to  divide  it  into  two 
parts,  in  order  that  the  ^^arishes  might  receive  episcopal 
visi1?ations  more  frequently,  than  is  prescribed  by  the 
canons.  As  this  purpose  can  be  secured  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  suffragan,  or  an  Assistant  Bishop,  I  would  recom- 
mend to  the  Convention, —  so  to  alter  the  Constitution  as 
to  secure  the  contem2:>lated  measure.  It  is  my  sincere 
desire  that  a  Bishop  should  be  appointed  during  my  life,^ 
and  as  such  an  appointment  can  now  be  made  with  perfect 
unanimity,  it  is  expedient  that  it  should  be  done.     It  will 


168  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

give  me  pleasure  to  unite  in  labor  with  the  man  of  your 
choice.  It  will  render  me  happy  in  the  hour  of  my  depar- 
ture, to  know  the  individual  to  whom  I  am  to  resign  the 
arduous  duties  of,  the  Episcopate  —  to  whose  cdre  this 
peaceful,  quiet  Diocese  shall  be  committed.  May  the  Al- 
mighty direct  us  in  all  our  doings  with  His  most  gracious 
favor,  and  further  us  with  His  continual  help." 

To  this  earnest  appeal,  so  reasonable  in  itself,  and  most 
affectionately  expressed,  the  Convention  promptly  acceded. 
The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  Church,  responded  to 
it,  in  language  of  filial  respect  and  sympathy,  and,  to  pre- 
pare the  way  for  effecting  the  measure,  proposed  by  their 
Eight  Eev.  Father  in  G-od,  recommended  "  that  notice  be 
transmitted  to  the  several  vestries  of  the  parishes  of  this 
Diocese,  that  it  is  proposed  to  annul  and  abolish  the  first 
sentence  of  the  sixth  article  of  the  Constitution,  which 
declares,  "there  shall  be  but  one  Bishop,"  "to  manage  its 
concerns."  This  resolution  was  then  adopted,  and  in  the 
ensuing  Convention,  the  constitutional  impediment  was 
removed  —  the.  votes  standing — ayes,  45  ;  noes,  17.  ' 

The  way  having  been  thus  oj^ened  for  further  action, 
Mr.  Hugh  Nelson  offered  the  following  resolution:  "that 
this  Convention  deem  it  expedient,  considering  the  age 
and  bodily  infirmity  of  our  beloved  Bishop,  to  proceed  to 
the  election  of  an  assistant  Bishop,- who  is  not  to  be  con- 
sidered entitled  to  the  succession,  but  that  it  shall  be  the 
duty  and  right  of  the  Convention  of  Yirginia,  on  the 
demise  of  our  venerable  Bishop,  to  proceed  to  the  election 
of  a  principal  bishop  as  a  successor  to  the'  deceased 
bishop.'"  When  the  question  was  taken  on  this  resolu- 
tion, it  was  carried — the  vote  being  — ayes,  50;  noes,  13. 
As  there  was  no  division  of  the  question,  it  is  more  than 
probable  from  the  names  of  those  in  the  negative,  that 
-their  opposition  was  not  to  the  measure,  but  to  the  restric- 
tion upon  the  succession,  and  it  may  be  charitably  pre- 
sumed, that  not  a  few  of  those  in  the  afl^rmative,  so  cast 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP   MEADE.  169 

their  votes,  to  secure  the  measure,  intending,  as  was  after- 
wards done,  to  instruct  the  delegates  to  the  next  G-eneral 
Convention  to  bring  the  subject  of  the  election  of  Assis- 
tant Bishops  before  that  Body,  to  obtain  such  legislation 
as  would  regulate  the  number  of  bishops  each  Diocese 
may  elect — prescribing  the  circumstances  under  which 
a  suffragan,  assistant,  or  co-adjutor,  may  be  chosen,  and 
also  the  duties  of  such  bishops" — expecting  that  the  wis- 
dom of  that  Body  would  some  how  remedy  the  unac- 
countable error  into  which  the  Convention  of  Virginia  had 
fallen.  Be  this  as  it  may.  the  remedy  was  in  due  time 
provided,  and  the  serious  evils  otherwise  inseparable  from 
the  restriction,  were  thus  prevented. 

After  the  adoption  of  Mr.  J^elson's  resolution,  the  Con- 
vention having  engaged  "  in  secret  prayer,  to  God,"  pro- 
ceeded to  the  election  of  an  assistant  bishop.  "  On  count- 
ing the  ballots,  there  were  found  twenty-five  votes  in  favor 
of  the  Eev.  William  Meade,  D.D.,  and  two  blank  ballots, 
so  that  the  Eev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  was  declared  to 
be  duly  nominated  and  appointed  by  the  Clergy,  and  then 
the  said  appointment  was  presented  to  the  order  of  the 
lay  delegates,  and  upon  a  ballot  being  taken  by  them, 
there  were  found  in  favor  of  the  Eev.  William  Meade,  D. 
D.,  thirty-six  votes,  being  the  whole  number  of  votes  given 
in — and  thereupon  the  Eev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  was 
declared  duly  elected." 

To  the  testimonial  of  the  Diocesan  Convention,  to  be 
transmitted  to  the  General  Convention  which  w^as  soon  to 
assemble,  the  names  of  all  the  members  present  were 
affixed,  except  two  of  the  clergy,  probably  the  two,  who, 
at  the  election,  had  cast  in  blank  votes.  One  of  these,  the 
Eev.  Adam  Empie,  D.  D.,  a  most  estimable  and  prominent 
Presbyter  of  the  Diocese,  and  at  the  time  President  of 
William  and  Mary  College,  was  influenced  in  withholding 
his  vote  and  signature  by  conscientious  doubt  as  to  the 
entire  fitness  of  Dr.  Meade  for  the  responsible  office  of  a 

8 


170  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

bishop.  As  a  minister,  Dr.  Empie  was  warm  hearted  and 
evangelical,  but  perhaps  somewhat  ultra  in  his  opinions  on 
certain  points  of  external  order  and  i-itual  observance. 
Under  the  influence  of  these  opinions,  he  felt  it  incumbent 
on  him  to  insist  upon  tests  of  meetness  for  the  Episcopate, 
which  the  standards  of  the  Church  do  not  recognize, —  and 
which,  those  in  authorit}^,  have,  in  no  instance  avowed, 
in  considering  and  deciding  on  the  right  of  a  bishop  elect, 
to  be  consecrated.  Dr.  Empie  had  not  been  long  in  the 
Diocese.  He  knew,  however,  that  Dr.  Meade  was  the 
only  person  spoken  or  thought  of,  as  assistant  bishop,  and 
that  when  Bishop  Moore  had  recommended  the  measure, 
and  urged  it  because  then,  "  such  an  appointment  could  be 
made  with  perfect  unanimity" — the  illusion  needed  no 
interpretation.  But  Dr.  Empie  had  heard,  (he  does  not 
say  from  whom,)  rumors  relative  to  the  Church  principles 
and  unrubrical  practices  of  Dr.  Meade,  which,  if  true, 
would  bring  hiin  under  the  ban  of  the  tests,  which  Dr. 
Empie  had  allowed  himself  to  superadd  to  those  prescribed 
by  the  Church.  To  satisfy  his  OAvn  mind,  he  addressed  to 
Dr.  Me  ade  the  following  letter  of  exposition  and  interro- 
gation : 

Williamsburg,  March  23,   1829. 
Rev.  "V^iLLiAM  Meade, 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : 

My  thoughts  have  lately  been  turned  to  the  subject  of  our  next  Conven- 
tion, and  the  election  of  an  Assistant  Bishop.  The  choice  of  a  Bishop,  al- 
vrays  important,  is  peculiarly  so  in  the  present  divided  stateof  our  Church. 
If,  under  God,  anything  can  save  her  from  divisions  and  schism,  it  is  the 
House  of  Bishops.  But  that  House  cannot  possibly  effect  this  unless  they 
are  unanimous  in  their  councils  and  their  measures,  and  the  only  possible 
•way  of  completely  securing  this,  is  by  unanimity  of  sentiment  upon  all  the 
important  points  on  v^hich  Churchmen  are  unfortunately  divided.  As  the 
members  of  the  Church,  therefore,  value  her  unity,  her  peace  and  her  pros- 
perity, they  are  bound  to  elevate  to  the  Episcopate  those  only  who  will 
harmonize  with  the  existing  Bishops  in  their  leading  sentiments  and  meas- 
ures. 

As  to  myself,  I  hold  that  the  primary,  essential  and  indispensable  quali- 
fications of  a  Bishop  are  deep  piety,  fervent  zeal,  a  good  fund  of  theologi- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  171 

cal  knowledge,  much  religious  experience,  and  a  deeply  evangelical  spirit, 
connected  with  evangelical  views  and  principles,  not  in  the  Party,  but  in 
the  Scripture  sense  of  these  terms.  And  in  the  next  place,  though  of  sec- 
ondary importance,  yet  I  hold  it  to  be  an  essential  prerequisite  in  a  candi- 
date for  the  mitre,  that  he  should  harmonize  with  our  present  Bishops  on 
all  those  important  points  in  which  diversity  of  sentiment  might  endanger 
the  peace,  the  union  and  'the  prosperity  of  the  Church, —  and  this  I  hold 
to  be  essential,  not  merely  as  a  matter  of  prudence,  but  on  the  ground  of 
revealed  obligation. 

I  am  not  a  Party  man,  neither  am  I  ultra.  I  believe  myself  to  be,  in 
the  fullest  sense  of  the  term,  strictly  evangelical,  and  at  the  same  time  I 
call  myself  a  High  Churchman,  and  I  hesitate  not  both  to  approve,  and  to 
condemn  some  things,  both  in  the  high  and  low  church  party.  But  I  can- 
not, with  a  clear  conscience,  vote  for  or  recommend  to  that  sacred  and  re- 
sponsible office,  any  man  who  does  not  cordially  hold  to,  and  who  will  not 
faithfully  maintain  all  the  distinguishing  peculiarities  of  our  Church.  For 
this  would  be,  to  surrender  the  sacred  deposite  into  the  hands  of  one,  whose 
principles  would  naturally  lead  him  to  betray  it.  I  am  not  so  rigid  as  to 
allow  no  latitude  of  interpretation,  and  no  diversity  of  sentiment,  upon 
difficult  and  disputed  points  —  but  we  cannot  be  called  Churchmen  unless 
we  agree  in  the  following  particulars  :  A  ministry  of  three  orders  is  of  Di- 
vine, or  at  least  of  Apostolic  appointment ;  none  but  Bishops  have  author- 
ity to  ordain,  and  therefore  Lay  and  Presbyterial  ordination  cannot  be 
Scriptural  or  valid,  though  God,  no  doubt,  will  always  accept  the  reli- 
gious services  of  all  who  serve  Him  in  the  best  manner  they  know  how. 
"Whether  forms  of  prayer  be,  or  be  not  of  Divine  appointment,  as  they  are 
established  and  required  by  the  Church,  we  are  in  duty  bound  to  use  them 
according  to  her  requirements,  nor  can  we  go  contrary  to  the  express  pro- 
visions of  Rubrics  or  Canons,  without  incurring  the  guilt  of  breaking 
our  ordination  vows  and  violating  laws  both  divine  and  human.  Necessi- 
ty, of  course,  will  justify  a  departure  from  rubrical  or  canonical  require- 
ments, but  mere  motives  of  expediency  afford  not  the  slightest  justifica- 
tion, and  that  conscience  must  be  morbidly  diseased^  which  sees  no  moral 
obligation  in  every  part  of  our  ordination  vows.  The  only  possible  justi- 
fication for  rubrical  and  canonical  irregularities  is,  in  the  case  of  those 
who,  at  the  time  of  their  ordination  vow,  did  not  think  these  irregulari- 
ties excluded  by  that  vow,  and  who,  through  the  inadvertence  of  the  or- 
daining Bishop,  were  suffered  to  promise  conformity  and  obedience  in  their 
own  sense.  From  what  our  laws  require,  there  is  no  exemption,  except 
through  the  medium  of  our  general  ecclesiastical  legislature.  Though  we 
are  at  liberty  to  use  our  influence  to  alter  existing  laws  and  usages  by  leg- 
islative enactments,  yet  we  are  not  at  liberty  to  destroy  the  peace  of  the 
Church,  or  to  carry  our  point  by  means  of  disunion  and  schism.  What 
we  cannot  effect  short  of  a  dissolution  of  our  ecclesiastical  union,  we  must 


172  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

be  contented  not  to  effect  at  all.  Besides,  a  Bishop  ought  not  to  stand 
pledged  to  any  Party,  or  be  ready  to  go  any  lengths  that  their  unbridled  zeal 
may  carry  him,  but  be  determined  resolutely  to  use  all  the  means  in  his 
power,  either  to  prevent  or  punish  all  irregularities  or  infractions  of  the 
laws.  Lastly,  though  some  Churchmen  may  persuade  themselves  that  it  is 
not  necessary  to  use  the  Ante-Communion  service  every  Lord's  day,  yet  I 
think  it  necessary  for  various  reasons,  that  every  Bishop  should  use  it,  and 
require  all  whom  he  ordains  to  use  it  regularly,  and  I  think  further,  that 
he  should  be  strenuous  for  the  integrity  of  the  Church,  and  the  House  of 
Bishops,  and  faithfully  oppose  everything  that  might  lead  to  schism.  For 
any  one  prepared  to  go  full  lengths  with  the  leaders  of  the  Low  Church 
Party,  I  cannot  support,  and  I  think  no  true  friend  of  the  Church  can,  or 
ought  to  support.  As  to  other  disputed  points  not  involved  in  the  above 
remarks,  inasmuch  as  they  do  not  necessarily  compromise  any  of  the  es- 
sential principles  of  our  Church,  nor  put  in  jeopardy  the  integrity  of  our 
American  Zion,  I  leave  them  to  the  conscience  of  every  individual. 

Thus,  my  dear  sir,  I  have  freely  stated  to  you  my  vievvs,  and  told  you 
what  qualifications  I  require  in  the  individual  to  whom  I  give  my  suffrage 
for  the  Episcopate.  In  these  views,  this  decision  and  this  communication, 
I  am  governed  purely  by  a  sense  of  duty  to  God  and  the  Church.  You 
are  held  up  as  a  candidate  for  the  Bishopric.  I  wish  to  vote  for  you,  if  my 
conscience  can  be  satisfied  upon  the  preceding  points,  and  I  thus  uncere- 
moniously ask  the  expression  of  your  present  views  and  future  intentions, 
because  the  subject  is  all  important,  and  because  1  hear  it  said  from  vari- 
ous quarters,  "Mr.  M.  is  lowest  of  the  Low  Church  —  he  observes  neither 
rubrics  nor  canons  —  he  believes  Presbyterial  ordination  as  valid  and  Scrip- 
tural as  Episcopal  —  he  is  a  Party  man,  and  pledged  directly  or  indirectly 
to  the  support  of  Party  principles  and  measures." 

May  thCrGreat  Head  of  the  (  hurch  direct,  overrule  and  prosper  us  in 
all  things,  to  the  glOry  of  His  name  and  the  welfare  of  His  Church  and 
people. 

Respectfully  and  affectionately. 

Your  friend  and  brother, 

A.  Empie. 

To  Rev.  Dr.  Empie, 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir : 
Your  letter  of  the  23rd  ultimo,  has  been  duly  received,  and  seriously 
considered.  High  and  holy  indeed  is  the  office  of  Bishop  in  the  Church 
of  Christ.  Solemn  and  fearful  should  be  every  step  taken  by  those  who 
would  conduct  any  one  to  that  office.  Modest,  silent,  delicate,  backward, 
and  scrupulous  in  the  whole  transaction,  should  be  that  man  whom  his 
brethren  and  friends  would  appoint  to  such  a  station.  Every  thing  hav- 
ing the  least  appearance  of  promoting  himself,  such  as  courting  the  favor 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  173 

of  others,  boasting  a  great  zeal  for  the  Church,  is  odious,  and  should  be 
carefully  avoided.  If  the  general  tenor  of  his  life,  and  his  vrell  known 
and  established  sentiments,  are  not  sufficient  to  recommend  him,  no  pro- 
fession or  promise  made  for  the  occasion,  ought  to  avail.  Neither  should 
any  one  throw  a  temptation  in  the  way  of  such  person,  to  recommend 
himself  by  a  favorable  exposition  of  his  opinions,  and  by  fair  promises  of 
what  he  is  to  do.  In  this  view  of  the  subject,  my  dear  sir,  I  feel  a  very 
serious  objection  to  your  letter,  and  a  reluctance  to  make  answer  to  it. 
The  more  modest  and  virtuous  among  our  citizens,  deeply  lament  the 
course  pursued  by  our  candidates  for  civil  offices,  who,  presenting  them- 
selves before  the  people  for  public  favor,  subject  themselves  to  be  ques- 
tioned and  examined,  and  are  tempted  to  commend  their  principles  and 
character,  by  vain  boasting  and  all  the  arts  of  acquiring  popularity.  I 
trust,  however,  that  the  sacred  office  of  Bishop  will  never  be  thus  secular- 
ized, or  degraded,  but  that  the  wishes  and  entreaties  of  friends,  grounded 
on  personal  acquaintance  and  authentic  information,  and  not  the  ambitious 
desires  of  aspiring  individuals,  will  bring  them  forward  for  this  most  holy 
office.  Reflect  for  a  moment  on  the  mode  you  have  adopted,  and  read  over 
your  letter,  and  then  say  if  it  be  not  objectionable.  You  say  that  I  am 
held  up  as  a  candidate  for  this  office,  and  that  you  wish  to  vote  for  me, 
if  you  can  do  it  conscientiously,  and  declare  that  you  will  not,  unless  I 
hold  certain  principles  which  you  lay  down,  and  will  pursue  a  certain 
course  which  you  point  out.  What  a  temptation  here  is  to  commend  my- 
self, to  make  professions  and  promises,  and  thus  to  gain  your  vote,  which 
is  hung  up  as  a  lure  before  me.  Only  set  down  and  frame  an  answer  to 
your  letter,  which  shall  be  satisfactory  to  yourself,  and  see  if  it  would  not 
look  very  like  one  soliciting  your  vote,  one,  which,  at  least  in  this  sus- 
picious and  uncharitable  world,  would  be  charged  with  such  intentions. 

If  there  were  no  other  method  of  ascertaining  the  sentiments  and  habits 
of  the  proposed  candidate,  if  he  were  one  of  a  close  and  reserved  charac- 
ter, or  but  lately  come  among  us,  or  lived  at  a  distance,  some  excuse  might 
be  found  in  such  circumstances,  for  drawing  forth  his  real  sentiments  in 
the  way  you  have  adopted.  But  surely  none  of  these  circumstances  occur 
in  the  present  case.  The  person  proposed  was  born,  baptized,  educated, 
confirmed,  and  ordained  in  the  State  of  Virginia  and  in  the  Episcopal 
Church.  This  has  been  the  scene  of  his  ministerial  labors  for  more  than 
eighteen  years  —  the  State  is  filled  with  his  friends,  acquaintances,  rela- 
tions and  brethren,  with  whom  he  is  on  terms  of  unreserved  communica- 
tion. Moreover  the  Bishop  of  the  State,  under  whose  government  he  has 
lived  for  fifteen  or  sixteen  years,  is  well  known  to  you.  From  all  these 
sources  it  were  surely  practicable  to  collect  evidences,  to  enable  you  to 
form  your  opinion  and  determination.  Upon  reflection,  I  am  sure  you 
will  perceive  the  greater  propriety  of  such  a  method,  however  honest  and 
upright  your  intentions,  while  adopting  the  one  you  have  chosen. 


174  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

I  had  thought  indeed  of  making  no  other  reply  to  your  letter  than  the 
above  objections,  and  a  reference  to  the  sources  mentioned,  but  upon  fur- 
ther reflection,  there  are  some  points  in  your  letter,  which  can  be  answered, 
without  subjecting  me  to  the  temptation  and  imputation  alluded  to.  You 
lay  down  certain  principles  or  rules  which  must  be  embraced  and  obeyed 
by  him  who  shall  be  deemed  worthy  to  receive  your  vote  and  be  elevated 
to  the  Episcopate.  Now  if  there  be  any  of  those  principles  or  rules,  which 
I  do  not  assent  to,  it  becomes  me  in  candor  to  declare  them,  so  that  my 
silence  may  not  leave  you  in  any  doubt,  as  to  the  proper  course  of  action. 
Now  some  of  the  indispensable  requisites  you  mention,  I  have  not-; 

1st.  You  lay  it  down  as  a  principle  that  the  only  way  of  preserving  the 
peace  and  promoting  the  prosperity  of  the  Church,  is  by  maintaining 
unanimity  of  sentiment  among  the  Bishops  on  all  the  important  points  on 
which  Churchmen  are  unfortunately  divided.  You  hold  it  to  be  an  essen- 
tial prerequisite  in  a  candidate  for  the  mitre,  that  he  harmonize  with  the 
Bishops  on  these  points.  Peace  and  unity  are  indeed  most  desirable  things 
among  all  Christians,  especially  among  ministers  and  Bishops,  but,  as  ex- 
perience proves,  very  difficult  to  be  obtained,  and  sad  have  been  the  effects 
of  adopting  wrong  methods  for  ensuring  them.  The  Romish  Church  la- 
bored long  and  hard  at  this,  endeavoring  according  to  the  doctrine  of 
its  own  infallibility,  to  bring  the  minds  and  conduct  of  men  to  the  one 
faith  and  practice.  As  ^o  its  success  I  need  not  tell  you.  The  Church  of 
England,  from  which  we  derive  ours,  nobly  protested  against  the  doctrine 
of  infallibility,  asserted  freedom  of  thought  and  inquiry,  and  erected  the 
Scripture  as  the  standard  of  truth,  and  not  the  Pope,  his  Cardinals  and 
councils.  Our  fathers,  of  enlightened  minds  and  enlarged  hearts,  laid  a 
broad  foundation  on  which  private  Christians,  Ministers  and  Bishops,  dif- 
fering on  points  which  had  divided  the  Church,  might  stand  together, 
stand  upright  and  fearless,  nor  should  any  attempt  to  force  others  from 
the  stand  because  in  certain  points  they  differed.  This  is  one  of  those  fea- 
tures in  the  Church  of  England  and  America  which  has  ever  recommended 
it  most  strongly  to  the  minds  of  the  most  judicious,  moderate  and  humble. 
In  this  it  surpasses  all  others.  If  it  had  required  that  unanimity  of  senti 
ment  which  you  demand  for  the  House  of  Bishops,  I  appeal  to  your  can- 
dour, exercising  itself  upon  the  knowledge  you  possess  of  ecclesiastical 
history,  would  she,  in  all  human  probabili  ty,  have  been  the  blessing  to 
mankind  she  has  been  ?  Would  she  have  conciliated  so  many  enemies, 
and  been  such  an  example  of  unity  and  peace?  "Warmed  by  true  charity 
and  guided  by  discretion,  she  opened  her  arms  to  receive  Calvinists 
and  Arminians,  High  Churchmen  and  Low  Churchmen,  and  bid  them  bury 
and  forget  their  differences  in  her  peaceful  bosom.  Accordingly  we  find 
in  every  period  of  the  Church  some  of  her  most  burning  and  shining 
lights,  laymen,  deacons,  priests  and  bishops  have  ranked  under  these  dif- 
ferent parties  or  denominations.     But  you  would  alter  this  long-established 


MEMOIR    OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  175 

character,  and  admit  none  to  the  order  of  Bishops  at  least,  who  were  not 
of  the  same  way  of  thinking  on  all  these  points  which  divide  Churchmen, 
with  the  present  House  of  Bishops.  Think,  I  pray  you,  my  dear  brother, 
upon  this  doctrine,  and  see  how  it  at  once  closes  the  door  against  any  im- 
provements, no  matter  how  much  needed.  The  House  of  Bishops,  not  be- 
ing infallible,  may  err  in  some  of  their  views  and  councils.  If  none  must 
be  admitted  but  those  who  think  with  them,  error  may  thus  be  perpetuated. 
As  well  let  them  fill  up  their  own  vacancies,  and  choose  more  whenever 
wanted,  if  none  be  admitted  who  differ  from  them  in  points  deemed  im- 
portant. This  is  really  interfering  too  much  with  the  right  of  all  men  to 
draw  their  opinions  from  the  Word  of  God.  A  whole  Diocese  may  ditfer 
in  some  points  deemed  important  in  your  opinion,  from  ihe  majorit}^  of 
the  House  of  Bishops,  and  may  choose  a  man  to  be  their  Bishop  who  thinks 
with  them  —  and  shall  they  be  denied  their  choice  because  he  does  not  ac- 
cord in  sentiment  with  the  House  of  Bishops  in  disputed  points?  Our 
general  constitution  not  onh'  does  not  sanction  this  doctrine,  but  has  pro- 
vided against  it,  by  requiring  the  consent  of  only  three  of  the  Bishops  to 
the  consecration  of  a  Bishop, 

Unquestionably,  the  trial  of  a  man  proposed  to  the  office  of  Bishop 
should  be  his  conformity  in  life  and  doctrine,  first,  to  the  Word  of  God, 
and  next,  to  the  articles  and  regulations  of  the  Church,  not  to  the  opin- 
ions of  the  existing  Bishops.  So  far  from  this  being  absolutely  necessary 
to  the  peace  of  the  Church,  that  every  effort  must  be  directed  for  its  accom- 
plishment, I  am  firmly  convinced,  and  declared  the  same  in  the  last  Gene- 
ral Convention,  that  the  greatest  danger  to  which  the  peace  of  the  Church 
in  these  United  States  is  liable,  arises  from  the  over-anxious  desire  of  some 
to  bring  our  ministers  into  one  way  of  thinking  and  acting,  and  the  at- 
tempt to  do  it  by  measures  which  cannot  be  justified  by  the  mild  and  tol- 
erant spirit  of  our  Church.  I  will  still  lift  up  my  warning  voice  to  our 
High  Church  brethren,  and  say  to  them,    "beware." 

You  next  proceed  in  your  letter  to  lay  down  certain  principles,  of  which 
you  say,  "We  cannot  be  called  Churchmen  except  we  agree  in  the  follow- 
ing principles."  The  first  of  them  is,  "  that  the  three  orders  are  of  divine, 
or  at  least  apostolical  appointment  —  none  but  Bishops  have  a  right  to  or- 
dain, and  therefore  Lay  and  Presbyterial  ordination  cannot  be  scriptural 
or  valid."  Now,  as  to  this  first  principle,  the  Bishops  are  not  all  agreed. 
Bishop  White,  for  instance,  the  Presiding  Bishop,  refuses  to  go  thus  tar, 
and  maintains  that  the  Church  has  nowhere  asserted  the  invalidity  of  other 
ordinations,  that  she  "contents  herself  with  asserting  the  apostolic  origin 
of  our  own,  without  undertaking  to  condemn  others."  I  believe  there 
are  one  or  more  who  will  not  go  all  lengths  with  you  —  are  these  disorga- 
nizers?  I  have,  on  several  occasions  read  over  the  argument  in  favor  of 
Episcopacy,  and  ever  concluded  with  entire  satisfaction  in  the  words  of  the 
consecration  service,  that  "  to  those  diligently  reading  the   Scriptures  and 


J  76  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

the  Holy  Fathers,  it  evidently  appears  that  from  the  Apostles'  times  there 
have  been  these  three  orders  of  ministers."     More  than  this,  our  Church 
requires  not  even  its  Bishops  to  believe,  and  he  who  would  demand  more 
may  be  conscientious,  may  be  scriptural,  but  he  has  gone  beyond  the 
Church,  he  has  departed  from  the  spirit  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  England 
and  America.     He  is  adding  to  the  demands  she  makes  of  her  ministers. 
Look  through  our  ordination  and  consecration  services,  and  our  Articles, 
and  see  if  you  can  find  such.     W  hether  God  did  positively  ordain  this  form 
of  church  government  as  essential  to  the  existence  of  a  Church  — what  de- 
viations from  it  would  render  ordination  invalid  —  are  points  about  which 
the  most  wise,  learned,  pious  and  devoted  Bishops  and  other  ministers  have 
certainly  differed,  and  I  think  it  venturing  very  far  to  say  that  none  must 
any  longer  differ,  all  must  consent  to  be  High  Churchmen  on  this  point, 

0  r  be  no  Churchmen  at  all.  I  woul  d  that  all  embraced  what  I  believe  to 
have  been  the  Apostolic  form.  With  none  other  would  I  be  satisfied  my- 
self, but  I  dare  not  say  God  hath  ever  in  this  point  rejected  those 
whom  H(?hath  accepted  and  so  highly  blessed  in  others.     This  is  as  far  as 

1  can  go,  which  leaves  me  far  behind  the  goal  you  have  erected.     I  have, 
however,  the  consolation  of  knowing  that  I  herein  agree  with  a  noble 
company  of   Bishops  and  other  ministers,  whose  labors  in  the  Gospel,  and 
whose  zealous  attachment  to  the  Church,  has  never  been  questioned,  and 

whom  I  could   only  hope  to  follow  at  a  great  distance  behind. 

Another  demand  jot   make  is,  that  he  who  receives  your  vote  should  not 
only  use  the  Ante-Communion  service  himself,  but  require  it  of  all  whom 
he  ordains,  to  do  the  same.     As  this  subject  is  now  before  the  Church,  and 
will  probably  be  determined  in  some  way  at  the  next  General  Convention, 
I  might  very  easily  dispose  of  it  by  saying,  that  whatever  the  Church  or- 
dains will  be  binding  upon  me  —  but,  as  I  set  out  with  the    determination 
to  refose  my  assent  to  any  demands  which  you  do  not  make  in  accordance 
with  my  views,  I  should  say  that  were  I  now  a  Bishop,  and  called  on  to 
ordain,  I  would  not  feel  bound  to  insist  upon  the  observance  of  this  rule, 
more  than  of  some  others  which  are  neglected — as,  for  instance,  the  rubric 
as  to  public  baptism  — nor  indeed  so  much,  because  the  obligation  of  this 
is,  I  believe,  sincerely   questioned  by  some  —  that  of  the  other,  by  none. 

And  now,  my  dear  sir,  as  to  all  the  other  parts  of  your  letter  which 
seem  to  be  written  as  concerning  some  lawless  person  who  feared  not  God, 
nor  regarded  man,  who  was  fit  "for  treasons,  stratagems  and  spoils,"  who 
was  indifferent  to  the  peculiarities  of  the  Church,  who  disregarded  rubrics 
and  canons,  set  at  nought  ordination  vows,  was  pledged  to  a  party,  and 
ready  to  go  all  lengths  with  it,  I  must  refer  you  to  some  other  source  for 
the  confirmation  or  fabrication  of  the  reports  which  come  to  you  from  va- 
rious quarters.  As  to  my  love  of  peace,  and  my  independence,  and  all 
those  things  which  'tis  so  easy  to  boast  of,  but  not  so  easy  to  practice,  you 
■will  excuse  any  professions  or  promises.     Perhaps,  however  we  may  both 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  177 

be  spared  any  trouble  on  the  subject,  as  the  Church  has  not  yet  decided  on 
having  an  Assistant,  and  many  circumstances  may  arise  to  save  it  from 
the  calamity  of  a  Low  Church  Bishop. 

I  beg  you  will  believe  me  when  T  say,  that  however  much  I  may  have 
dissented  from  your  opinions  and  condemned  your  rules,  I  am  A-ery  far 
from  being  offended  at  the  plainness  with  which  they  have  been  declared, 
and  hope  that  you  will  receive  this  answer  in  the  same  spirit  of  brotherly 
kindness  in  which,  I  can  assure  you,  it  is  written.  With  best  wishes  and 
prayers,  I  remain 

Your  friend  and  brother  in  the  Lord, 
April  3,   1829.  W.   Meadk. 

Williamsburg,  April. 
To  Rev.  William  Meade, 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Your  favor  postmarked  5th  inst.,  has  just  come  to  hand,  and  though  I 
wrote  with  a  view  to  information,  not  controversy,  I  feel  it  due  to  myself 
to  make  a  few  remarks  in  replv,  while  I  sincerely  thank  you  for  the  can- 
dor with  which  you  have  expi-essed  your  sentiments.  I  was  indeed  desir- 
ous of  knowing  those  sentiments,  but  rest  assured,  my  letter  never  would 
have  been  penned  if  I  had  not  thought  it  probable,  from  conversations 
with  you  last  Spri:  g,  that  your  sentiments  coincided  very  nearly  with  my 
own.  And  so  strong  did  this  probability  appear  to  me,  that  I  refused  to 
credit  several  things  said  of  you,  and  expected  soon,  by  means  of  your 
reply  to  my  letter,  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  refute  them  in  your  own  lan- 
guage. This,  in  connection  with  what  I  said  in  my  letter,  gives  you  fully 
my  reasons  for  writing  to  you. 

Had  I  known,  or  had  I  possessed  the  means  of  knowing,  what  I  now 
do,  I  should  not  have  troubled  you  with  my  inquiries,  or  subjected  you  to 
the  "temptation"  of  which  you  complain.  Those  with  whom  I  commu- 
nicated, either  barely  expressed  their  opinions,  instead  of  their  convictions, 
or  alleged  what  I  would  not  credit,  or  stated  that  they  did  not  certainly 
know  your  present  sentiments,  inasmuch  as  they  believed  your  opinions 
had  undergone  some  change  I  am  a  stranger  here,  my  dear  sir,  nor  can 
I  be  presumed  to  know,  what  may  be  very  well  known  to  the  members  of 
the  Diocese  at  large,  nor  can  you  expect  me  as  a  Christian,  to  govern  my 
decisions  or  my  conduct  in  so  important  an  affair  as  that  of  the  Episcopate, 
by  the  mere  opinions  or  contradictory  assertions  of  others.  This  was  the 
difficulty,  and  these  the  reasons,  that  led  me  to  address  you,  and  but  for 
these  reasons,  as  stated  in  the  preceding  section,  the  insignificancy  of  my 
solitary  vote  would  have  bound  me  to  silence.  For  my  vote  and  influence 
are,  in  this  Diocese,   too  insignificant  to  deserve  your  attention. 

Here,  however,  I  must  remark,  that  I  do  not  agree  with  you  in  your  views 
upon  this  point.     You  object  to  my  inquiries  as  involving  a  ^^iemplation^' 
8* 


178  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

and  a  ^^ihreat,'^  and  as  calculated  to  ensnare  the  virtue  of  the  candidate 
for  civil  and  ecclesiastical  offices.  I  hold  it  to  be  the  duty  of  such  candi- 
dates to  make  their  sentiments  fully  known.  I  hold  it  to  be  not  only  the 
privilege,  but  the  duiy,  of  their  supporters  to  demand  an  explicit  avowal 
of  those  sentiments  in  all  vital  points,  and  I  hold  that  no  one  can  answer 
it  to  his  conscience  or  his  God,  if  he  elevates  to  an  important  office,  an  in- 
dividual of  whose  views  and  principles  he  is  not  well  assured.  Unless  it 
can  be  proved  that  constituents  are  at  liberty  to  act  the  part  of  traitors  to 
their  own  duties,  and  interests  and  consciences,  the  right  of  instructing 
those  whom  they  employ  as  their  agents,  is  unquestionable. 

As  to  my  "indispensable  requisites"  for  the  EpiscopatCj  you  misunder- 
stand me.  I  did  not  say  that  the  candidate  for  the  mitre  must  harmonize 
with  the  House  of  Bishops  on  all  the  important  points  on  which  Church- 
men are  divided,  but  "all  those  on  which  diversity  of  sentiments  might 
endanger  the  peace,  the  union  and  the  prosperity  of  the  Church"  (see  sec- 
ond section  of  my  letter).  My  reason,  too,  for  making  them  indispensa- 
ble, is  not,  as  you  state,  because  it  is  necessary  to  think  as  the  Bishops  do, 
but  because  Scripture  requires  it.  I  i^lace  it  on  the  ground  of  "revealed 
obligation."  Nor  hastily  do  I,  as  your  letter  supposes,  place  among  my 
indispensable  requisites,  all  the  points  in  contest  between  High  and  Low 
Church.  I  propose  not  to  exclude  from  the  Episcopate  either  Calvinists  or 
Armenians,  High  or  Eow  Churchmen.  I  leave  to  the  conscience  of  every 
individual,  every  disputed  point  except  those  I  specify  ;  and  those  I  insist  on, 
because  required  by  Scripture  or  by  the  Church,  and  essential  to  her  pros- 
perity and  her  integrit3^  These,  too,  T  aver  the  Church  has  never  compro- 
mised. These  she  has  alwaj's  made  indispensable,  nor  can  she  possibly  do 
otherwise  without  betraying  her  trust,  and  I  therefore  neither  exalt  the 
Bishops,  nor  abridge  the  right  of  private  judgment  farther  than  Scripture 
and  the  Church,  absolutely  require.  All  that  the  Church  has  left  indiffei'- 
ent,  open  or  undecided,  I  still  leave  so.  This  is  my  answer  to  your  second 
argument. 

You  say  farther,  in  support  of  your  views,  that  our  constitution  requires 
for  a  consecration  the  consent  of  only  three  Bishops.  By  looking  to  the 
6th  Canon  of  1820,  you  will  find  this  to  be  a  mistake,  and  though  there  is 
danger  from  rigorouslj'  exacting  uniformity  in  minor  points,  there  is  still 
greater  danger  from  compromising  the  essential  principles  of  our  Church. 

To  mj' position,  "  none  but  Bishops  have  a  right  to  ordain  —  all  other 
ordination,  therefore,  is  invalid,"  you  object  the  opinion  of  Bishop  White 
—  that  the  Church  has  not  asserted  the  invalidity  of  other  ordinations,  and 
t  hat  she  requires  us  only  to  believe  that  our  ministry  is  Apostolical.  I  have 
no  wish  to  enter  into  controversy,  and  therefore  brieflj^  observe  in  passing, 
that  bj-  the  House  of  Bishops  I  mean  a  majority  of  its  members,  not  the 
opinion  of  one  or  two ;    that,  if  my  memory  serves  me,  you  mistake  the 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  179 

opinion  of  Bishop  White.  He  does  not  admit  the  validity  of  Presbyterial 
ordination  in  genera!,  but  only  in  case  of  emergency,  where  no  other  could 
be  had.  About  this  we  need  not  dispute,  for  it  is  irrelevant  to  the  subject, 
and  necessity  knows  no  law.  That,  if  the  Church  does  not  by  her  words, 
she  does  by  her  actions,  assert  the  invalidity  of  Presbyterial  ordination,  for 
she  always  re-ordains  those  who  come  from  churches  that  have  not  Episco- 
pal ordination  ;  and  that,  in  requiring  us  to  believe  our  ministry  Apostoli- 
cal, she  makes  that  ministry,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others,  binding  upon 
our  consciences,  just  as  much  as  the  Christian  Sabbath,  Infant  Baptism, 
and  the  New  Testament  Canon,  all  of  which  stand  on  Apostolic  authority. 

You  argue  further,  that  because  some  learned  and  pious  men  have  held 
different  views  on  the  subject  of  Episcopacy  from  those  which  1  expressed 
therefore  mine  are  untenable.  Answer :  I  support  it  as  the  doctrine  of 
Scripture,  of  primitive  Christianity,  of  the  Church,  and  of  a  large  major- 
ity of  her  standard  writers.  The  fact  of  a  few  having  dissented  from  this 
doctrine,  is  no  proof  that  it  is  not  true,  for  exceptions  only  prove  the  gen- 
eral rule.  If  a  few  learned  and  pious  dissentients  are  sufficient  to  disprove 
a  doctrine,  then  no  doctrine  of  our  religion,  however  vital,  is  safe.  As  I 
should  deny  him  to  be  a  Christian  who  did  not  believe  the  Divinity  of 
Christ,  so,  my  dear  brother  (and  you  will,  I  trust,  pardon  this  honest 
avowal  of  my  opinion),  I  cannot  in  conscience  admit  him  to  be  a  Church- 
man who  does  not  hold  to  the  exclusive  validity  of  Episcopal  ordination, 
for  '^  Ecclesia  in  Episcopo^'  is  almost  an  article  of  primitive  faith. 

As  to  those  parts  of  my  letter  which  you  say  "seem  to  be  written  to 
some  lawless  person,"  you  do  me  injustice  in  ascribing  them  to  me  as  my 
sentiments,  for  I  mentioned  them  merely  as  reports,  and  as  a  reason  why  I 
asked  from  you  a  statement  of  your  views.  Though  I  had  not  believed 
one  syllable  of  them,  I  conceive  they  would  still  have  justified  me  in  the 
course  I  have  taken.  For  no  honest  man  is,  or  ought  to  be,  afraid  of 
avowing  his. sentiments. 

''The  calamity  of  a  Low  Church  Bishop  " — Low  and  High  Church,  my 
dear  sir,  are  words  used  with  much  latitude.  There  are  some  Low  Church- 
men to  whose  views  I  have  no  objection,  and  there  are  both  Low  and  High 
Churchmen  whose  elevation  to  the  Episcopate  I  should  regard  as  a  "  calam- 
ity." 

In  conclusion,  permit  me  to  remark  that  you  will  do  me  an  act  of  injus- 
tice, if  you  ascribe  this  correspondence  to  the  importance  I  attach  to  my 
own  vote  or  opinions.  I  am  conscious  of  no  motive  but  a  sense  of  duty 
to  the  Church,  and  its  Divine  Head.  I  knew  very  well  before  I  wrote, 
that  should  I  even  withhold  my  vote,  I  should  stand  almost,  or  quite 
alone,  in  the  opposition. 

With  every  sentiment  of  respect  and  affection,  I  am,  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, 
Your  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

A.  Empie. 


180  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

April  20,  1829. 
Eev.  Adam  Empib, 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : 
In  your  last,  which  has  just  come  to  hand,  there  is  one  sentence  which, 
in  justice  to  myself,  I  must  object  to.     It  is  in  these  words  :     ''You  argue 
further  that  because  some  learned  and  pious  men  have  held  different  views 
on  the  subject  of  Episcopacy  from  those  which  I  have  expressed,  tb.erefore 
mine  is  untenable."     Surely,  my  dear  brother,  you  cannot  find  such  false 
reasoning  as  this,  in  my  letter,  wherein  I  object  so  decidedly  to  raising  up 
any  human  tribunal,  as  the  infallible  standard  and  judge  of  truth.     I 
would  not  dare  to  pronounce  any  one  certainly  and  undoubtedly  wrong  in 
a  matter  of  this  kind,  merely  because  the  great  majority  of  the  wise  and 
pious  were  against  him,  much  less  if  only  some,  or  a  few  as  you  suppose 
were  against  him.     So  iar  as  it  is  permitted  to  resort  to  human  testimony 
and  opinion,  I  should  acknowledge  the  duty  of  bowing  to  the  £enlin;cnts 
of  the  greater  number  of  the  wise  and  pious,  supposing  them,  and  those 
differing  from  them,  to  be  equal  as  to  the  qualifications  for  deciding  wisely 
and  candidly.     If  you  will  reperuse  my  letter,  you  will  discover  no  such 
reasoning  as  that  contained  in  the  above  quotation.    My  argument  is  this  : 
that  because  some  of  the  most  wise  and  pious  of  the  Bishop^  Priests,  and 
Deacons  of  the  Church  of  England  and  America,  holding  sentinienis  dif- 
fering from   yours,  have,  under  the  liberal  constitution  of  that  Church, 
been  freely  admitted  to  their  several  offices,  and  because  there  is  nothing 
in  Articles,  or  Ordination,  or  Consecration  services,  which  demand  such  sen- 
timents of  candidates,  therefore  you  are  wrong  in  establishing  a  new  rule 
of  admission,  and  are  not  justified  in  stigmatizing  as  no  Churchmen,  those 
who   conscientiously  believe,    and    zealously   support,   what  the   Church 
plainly  requires,  but  are  unable  to  go  beyond  this.     In  this  opinion  I  am 
more  and  more  confirmed.     The  practice  of  the  Church  has  ever  been  ac- 
cording to  this,  and  she  could  never  have  otherwise  designed      Her  reordi- 
nation  of  ministers  coming  from  other  churches,  is,  on  many  accounts, 
proper  and  consistent,  but  does  not,  in  my  opinion,  require  of  us  a  positive 
belief  that  their  previous  ordination  was  certainly  invalid.     Such  a  reordi- 
nation  is  proper,  because  many  of  our  churches  believe  that  their  former 
ordination  was  unsound,  because  others  believe  that  it  was  doubtful,  others 
that  it  is  at  any  rate  safest  and  better  to  adhere  to  the  primitive  plan,  and 
because  the  peculiarities  of  our  Church  require  a  solemn  promise  of  con- 
formity thereto.     On  these  accounts  it  was  proper  to  reordain,  but  still  it 
does  not  follow  that  we  must  all  necessarily  believe  the  previous  ordination 
to  be  null  and  void  in  the  sight  of  God,  in  order  to  be  sincere  Episcopal- 
ians.    Bishop  Hoadly,  as  quoted  by  Bishop  White,  denies  that  such  a  con- 
struction should  be  put  upon  the  act  of  reordination.     It  appears  to  me 
that  our  Church  very  wisely  forbears  either  to  assert  or  deny  the  validity 
of  other  ordinations,  but  contents  herself  with  asserting  that  ours  is  Apos- 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  181 

tolic,  and  requires  us  to  love  and  support  it  as  such.  Bishop  White  asserts 
this,  and  quotes  Bishop  Iloadlj  in  answer  to  l^r.  Calamy.  The  letter  ob- 
jects to  the  Church  that  in  its  ordinal  it  maintained  the  divine  appointment 
of  the  three  orders,  and  urged  this  as  a  reason  for  non-conformity.  The 
Bishop  rei)lies  that  the  service  pronounces  no  such  thing.  "  There  is  some 
difference,"  he  saj-s,  '•  between  these  two  sentences,  'Bishops,  Priests  and 
Deacons  are  three  distinct  orders  in  the  Church  by  divine  appointment;' 
and  'from  the  Apostolic  times  there  have  been  Bishops,  Priests  and  Dea- 
cons.' "  "It  aj)pears  to  me  our  Church  wisely  stops  here,  and  leaves  it  to 
her  members  to  draw  their  own  conclusions  from  the  fact,  thus  affirmed. 
Accordingly,  some  have  conscientiously  inferred  that  God  must  have  ap- 
pointed Episcopacy,  as  the  Jewish  Priesthood,  to  be  invariably  and  forever 
received,  so  that  deviation  from  it,  is  separation  from  the  true  Church  of 
Christ.  Others,  not  finding  the  same  positive  institution  or  command,  dare 
not  place  it  on  the  same  high  ground,  and  exclude  those  who  adopt  a  dif- 
ferent form  ;  at  the  same  time  from  its  analogy  to  the  Jewish  Priesthood, 
and  the  general  resemblance  between  the.  two  systems,  from  the  example  of 
the  Apostles  and  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Church,  and  the  many  excel- 
lencies of  the  mode,  feel  bound  to  adhere  to  it,  and  would  have  all  others 
to  adopt  the  same. 

Such  are  evidently  Bishop  White's  sentiments,  and  in  his  pamphlet  he 
declares  his  belief  that  they  were  the  sentiments  of  the  great  body  of  Epis- 
copalians in  America,  in  which  respect,  he  adds  "  they  have  in  their  favor 
unquestionably,  the  sense  of  the  Church  of  Ei>gland,"  and  as  he  believes, 
"  the  opinions  of  the  most  distinguished  prelates  for  piety,  virtue  and  abil- 
ities." But  I  must  desist,  or  we  shall  certainly  get  into  controversy,  which 
I  believe,  neither  of  us  have  any  wish  to  do.  It  was  merely  to  correct  your 
great  error,  in  imputing  such  false  reasoning  as  I  stated  in  the  beginning 
of  my  letter,  that  I  took  up  my  pen.  What  has  followed  seemed  un- 
avoidably to  grow  out  of  that  conviction.  In  conclusion,  allow  me  to  as- 
sure you  that  the  thought  "of  your  writing  under  sense  of  great  self-im- 
poi-tance,"  never  entered  my  mind,  and  let  me  beg  you  on  the  other  hand, 
not  to  suppose  that  I  have  regarded  you  as  being  so  insignificant  as  you 
represent  yourself  to  be.  I  doubt  not  that  you  have  acted  under  a  sense  of 
duty.  I  will  only  add,  that  should  I  ever  be  called  to  that  high  station, 
for  which  you  think  my  principles  unfit  me,  I  shall  feel  thankful  to  any 
brother  who  would  convince  me  of  such  unfitness,  and,  except  ray  errors 
can  be  corrected,  will  most  certainly  decline  an  office,  of  which  on  many 
other  accounts  I  feel  myself  most  unworthy. 

William  and  Mary  College,  May  2,  1829. 
To  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D. 

My  dear  brother  Meade,  I  do  not  write  from  "the  vain  desire  of  having 
the  last  word,  for  say  what  you  will  in  answer  to  this,  I  shall  not  reply. 


182  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

I  on]  J  resume  my  pen  to  communicate  a  few  additional  remarks,  for  which 
mv  former  letter  left  no  room ;  and  while  1  am  writing,  I  may  as  well  say 
a  word  or  two  on  yours  of  the  20th  ult,,  just  received. 

I  have  said  that  two  of  the  prerequisite  qualifications  of  a  Bishop  are, 
that  he  should  believe  the  exclusive  validity  of  Episcopal  ordination,  or  if 
you  please,  the  invalidity  of  Lay  and  Presbyterial  ordination,  and  tliat 
he  should  feel  it  his  duty  to  require  the  use  of  the  Ante-Comnuuiion  ser- 
vice—you say  "  the  Church  does  not  require"  these  qualifications,  and 
that  I  am  establishing  "  a  new  rule  of  admission,"  to  the  Episcopate  — 
and  the  proof  you  bring  is,  that  some  learned  and  pious  men  have  been 
made  Bishoi;s  though  the}^  were  destitute  of  these  qualifications.  Now,  my 
dear  sir,  I  am  disposed  to  call  this  in  question.  Can  you  prove  it  to  be  a 
ftict?  Name  the  men  in  England,  or  in  this  country,  who  have  been  made 
Bishops,  while  those  who  elected  and  consecrated  them,  knew  them  to  be 
at  that  time,  destitute  of  the  above  named  requisites.  It  has,  indeed,  after- 
wards appeared,  that  some  were  destitute  of  one  or  the  other  of  these 
requisites,  but  so  also  has  it  afterwards  appeared  that  some  were  Uni- 
tarians. Can  we  therefore,  from  their  sentiments,  argue  with  certainty 
the  sentiments  of  the  Church  ?  Does  it  follow  that  they  were  deliberately 
admitted,  knowing  them  to  entertain  these  o[>inions? 

Bishop  White's  "Care  of  the  Episcopal  Churches,"  was  written  at  a 
time  of  great  and  difficult  emergency.  I  do  not  think  it  safe  to  apply  his 
arguments  and  facts  to  ordinary  cases.  As  to  myself,  I  cannot  admit 
either  all  his  arguments  or  positions.  He  seems  at  that  time  to  have  im- 
bibed much  of  the  spirit  and  principles  of  Bishop  Hoadly  and  Stillingfleets 
Ireaicum  ;  and  I  take  the  liberty,  therefore,  of  referring  you  for  what  I  think 
the  views  of  the  Church  on  these  points,  to  Laws'  three  letters  to  the  Bishop 
of  Bangor. 

In  your  last  letter,  you  seemed  to  me  to  make  Episcopal  ordination 
necessary  in  our  Church,  only  because  it  is  the  established  usage  and  re- 
quired by  our  Church.  This  likewise  savors  of  Bishop  Hoadly's  notions. 
But  I  hold  it  to  be  utterly  subversive  of  Episcopacy.  It  partakes  of  the 
nature  of  Erastianism.  It  makes  Episcopacy  binding  on  the  ground  of  ex- 
pediency, not  of  duty.  It  refers  it  to  the  authority  of  usage  of  the  Church 
or  of  the  State,  instead  of  fixing  it  on  its  only  proper  base,  the  authority 
of  God.  It  must  either  stand  on  revelation,  or  on  expediency  —  on  the  will 
of  God  or  the  will  of  man.  If  on  the  will  of  God,  it  is  always  and  ex- 
clusively binding,  if  on  expediency,  Lay  ordination  among  Independents 
and  Presbyterial  ordination  in  Scotland  are  as  binding  and  sufficient,  as 
Episcopal  ordination  is  in  England.  This  converts  the  ministry  into  a 
nose  of  wax. 

The  argument  founded  upon  the  opinions  and  conduct  of  some,  in  the 
troublous  times  of  the  English  Church,  I  do  not  think  fair  or  conclusive, 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  183 

any  more  than  that  founded  upon  Bishop  White's  Essay.  They  were  forced 
by  the  emergency  of  the  times  into  opinions,  concessions,  and  measures, 
some  of  which,  under  difterent  circumstances,  they  tlieiuselves  would  not 
justify  and  which,  at  all  events  we  cannot  approve  as  consistent,  and 
scriptural . 

May  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  direct,  overrule  and  bless  us  in 
all  we  say  and  do,  in  such  a  manner  as  will  best  promote  the  glory  of  His 
name,  and  the  welfare  of  His  Church  and  people. 

I  am,  reverend  and  dear  sir,  with  sentiments  of  sincere  esteem  and 
affection, 

Your  friend  and  brother, 

A.  Empib. 

Dr.  Empie's  scruples  were  not  removed  by  this  corres- 
pondence. It  produced,  however,  not  the  slightest  alien- 
ation, but  rather  a  better  understanding  and  increased 
mutual  esteem. 

The  restriction  as  to  the  succession  was  a  surprise  to 
many  members  of  the  Convention.  It  was  certainly  so  to 
Dr.  ]\Ieade,  and,  though  he  accepted  the  appointment,  ho 
became  more  and  more  sensible  of  the  embarrassing  na- 
ture of  the  condition  annexed,  and  was  strongly  tempted 
to  recall  his  acceptance,  and  so  escape  the  evils  which  he 
apprehended.  Under  these  circumstances  he  addressed 
two  letters  to  Bishop  Moore,  only  one  of  which  is  extant  : 

July  1,  1829. 
Right  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : 

I  earnestly  pray,  and  entreat  you,  and  all  my  brethren  to  do  the  same, 
that  neither  you,  they,  nor  the  Church  may  have  cause  to  lament  that  act, 
on  which  your  letter  congratulates  me.  Sure  I  am  that  the  grace  of  God 
alone  can  enable  me  to  fulfil  any  expectations,  however  humble,  which  may 
be  entertained  concerning  me.  I  thank  you  for  the  pleasure  you  express 
at  the  event,  and  the  prospect  of  its  complete  fulfilment.  Should  Provi- 
dence see  fit  to  consummate  it,  then  will  it  be  done  —  if  otherwise,  let  us 
acquiesce  with  becoming  humility.  You  beg  that  I  will  write  to  you,  and 
if  practicable,  accompany  you  on  your  journey  to  the  North.  The  latter 
is  impracticable,  by  reason  of  previous  engagements — the  former,  I  have 
thought  of  doing  for  sometime  past,  as  soon  as  I  could  ascertain  that  you 
had  returned  to  Richmond.  I  made  several  efforts  to  see  you  soon  after 
Convention  arose,  but  failed   in  each.  Providence  preventing.     I  wished 


184  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

ireely  to  converse  with  you  on  the  subject  of  that  condition  annexed  to  the 
appointment,  which  was  so  contrary  to  every  expectation  excited  by  your 
address,  and  the  resolution  of  the  Petersburg  Convention,  and  which,  I  sup- 
posed, was  against  your  own  wishes  and  principles.  I  was  not  aware  that 
such  a  condition  was  contemplated,  until  the  moment  it  was  done,  being 
absent  from  the  house  during  the  discussion  —  and  a  very  few  moments 
after,  it  was  submitted  to  my  decision,  and  an  immediate  answer  requested, 
as  the  business  of  the  Convention  was  closing,  and  the  testimonials  to  be 
prepared.  In  this  state  of  confusion  of  thought  and  feeling,  I  gave  a 
verbal  assent  to  a  verbal  communication,  without  ever  seeing  the  resolution 
of  the  Convention,  or  knowing  anything  of  what  had  passed  in  the 
House.  A  few  moments'  reflection  satisfied  me  that  I  had  been  precipitate, 
and  ought  to  have  insisted  on  time  for  deliberation.  It  was  however,  too 
late,  I  thought,  to  recall  my  acceptance,  and  I  shrank  from  seeming  to  de- 
mand more  honor  than  the  Convention  had  thought  proper  to  bestow,  or 
from  doing  anything  which  might  disturb  the  peace  and  harmony  of  its 
deliberation.  I  endeavored  indeed  to  reconcile  those  who  were  dissatisfied 
with  the  proceedings,  and  to  induce  them  to  hope  that  it  was  for  the  best 
—  at  the  same  time  resolving  to  take  the  matter  into  full  and  impartial 
consideration,  and  either  continue  to  accept,  or  resolve  to  decline,  as  my 
conscience  and  judgment  should  decide.  It  was  to  aid  me  in  forming  this 
decision,  that  I  was  anxious  to  see  you,  for  the  more  I  thought  upon  it,  the 
more  objectionable  it  appeared  to  me,  and  the  nearer  did  I  come  to  the 
determination  to  decline  making  any  use  of  the  testimonials  furnished, 
and  to  state  in  a  circular  addressed  to  the  members  of  the  Convention,  my 
reasons  for  so  doing.*  Resolving  however  to  do  nothing  again  in  haste,  or 
without  the  best  advice,  and  expecting  that  the  subject  would  undergo 
public  discussion,  and  learning  also  that  you  were  satisfied  and  pleased 
with  the  nieasure,  and  being  urged  by  some  friends  who  were  opposed  to 
it,  to  continue  my  acceptance,  I  determined  to  give  it  farther  consideration, 
and  not  be  guilty  of  a  "  repentance  which  might  need  to  be  repented  of." 
My  own  reflections  at  home,  unaided  by  any  advice  from  friends  abroad, 
or  by  any  public  discussion  of  the  merit  of  the  question,  have  not  changed 
my  first  impressions  as  to  the  evil  tendency  of  the  measure.  Some  of  my 
brethren  with  whom  I  have  conversed,  have  said,  that  they  are  also  op- 
posed to  the  principle,  but  consented  to  thus  act,  in  order  to  secure  the 
most  perfect  unanimity,  and  under  the  full  persuasion  that  in  this  instance 
no  evil  would  arise,  as  the  succession  was  perfectly  secure.  It  would 
indeed  be  presumption  in  me  to  suppose  that  my  merits  were  such,  as  to 
tnake  this  sure,  and  thus  save  the  Church  from  the  evils  of  a  contested 
election  ;  but  even  were  this  perfectly  certified,  would  it  be  right  to  con- 
sent to  a  principle  which  appears  to  be  mischievous  in  its  general  operation  ? 
I  confess  it  appears  to  me  that  in  a  Church  constituted  as  our's,  and  in  a 


MEMOIR   OF   BISnOP   MEADE.  185 

country  such  as  our's,  where  the  election  is  by  the  people,  or  their  repre- 
sentatives ;  and  where,  as  experience  shows,  such  painful  circumstances 
attend  Episcopal  elections,  it  is  dangerous  to  multiply  those  elections  more 
than  needful,  and  thus  hold  out  temptation  to  ambition,  party  spirit,  and 
all  the  evils  attendant  thereon.  The  man  who  is  thus  conditionally  elected, 
or  who  expects  the  succession,  should  he  secure  the  good  will  of  the 
Church,  is  ever  tempted  to  adopt  the  acts  of  popularity,  or  if  he  should  be 
above  this,  is  still  ever  liable  to  be  charged  with  it,  when  he  is  yielding  to 
the  dictates  of  his  own  heart  and  conscience,  and  by  kindness  and  love 
securing  the  affection  of  his  brethren  and  the  Church.  In  the  performance 
of  his  duty,  he  may  sometimes  give  offence,  and  then  the  offended  may 
rouse  a  party  against  him,  and  threaten  him  with  the  disappointment  of 
his  expectations,  and  thus  produce  strife  between  him,  and  them,  and  in  the 
whole  Diocese.  Should  there  be  rival  candidates  for  the  office  of  assistant 
Bishop,  as  in  all  probability  there  generally  will  be  the  party  defeated, 
instead  of  yielding  up  their  opposition,  and  uniting  for  the  good  of  the 
Church,  will  still  retain  their  favorite  candidate,  and  endeavor  to 
strengthen  their  forces  against  the  death  of  the  principal  Bishop,  hoping 
to  triumph  over  him,  who  had  succeeded  in  the  first  election  —  and  what 
heart-burning,  and  jealousies,  and  suspicions  must  arise  during  such  a  con- 
test as  this  ?  Even  should  one  person  be  decidedly  the  choice  of  the  great 
body  of  the  Church  when  elected  assistant,  in  the  course  of  a  few  years 
some  other  might  arise  who  would  perhaps  be  preferred  by  a  portion  of 
the  Church,  and  then  again,  jealousy  and  suspicion  would  be  expected,  be- 
tween the  aspirant  to  oflice  and  his  friends,  and  the  assistant  Bishop  and 
his  friends,  and  who  shall  say  what  evil  may  ensue?  I  have  only  heard 
of  two  arguments  in  favor  of  this  restriction — the  one  is,  that  the  Con- 
vention has  no  right  to  appoin,t  a  successor  who  is  to  be  the  Bishop  of 
those  who  are  to  come  after  us,  and  who  alone  have  the  right  to  choose 
their  own  rulers.  But  might  not  this  argument  be  used  against  electing 
any  Bishop  for  life  ?  Half  of  that  generation  over  which  you  were  chosen 
to  preside,  has  passed  away,  and  another  half  has  taken  their  place,  and 
had  we  no  right  to  appoint  you  as  Bishop  to  our  children?  We  must 
introduce  the  doctrine  of  frequent  elections,  and  make  the  ofiBce  of  Bishop 
to  expire  periodically,  in  order  to  do  away  this  objection.  The  only 
justifiable  ground  for  having  an  assistant  Bishop,  is,  the  inability  to  per- 
form the  duties  of  his  office,  either  through  his  infirmity,  or  the  great  ex- 
tent of  his  Diocese,  and  when  this  necessity  arises,  then  is  there  as  much 
right  and  propriety  in  appointing  an  assistant  to  be  the  Bishop  of  those 
who  are  to  come  after  him,  as  there  was  in  the  first  instance,  to  appoint  a 
Bishop  in  the  Diocese  during  life,  and  who  should  be  the  Bishop  to  those 
yet  unborn.  Such  appears  to  me,  to  be  the  state  of  the  case.  The  other 
argument  in  favor  of  the  condition  is,  that  it  affords  a  salutary  check  to 


186  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

the  assistant  by  putting  him  on  trial,  and  making  him  feel  that  his  promo- 
tion depends  on  his  conduct  during  this   trial.     But  is  not  this  reversing 
the  order  of  things  ?     Should  not  a  man  be  sufficiently  tried  before  he  is 
made  Bishop  at  all,  and  ought  not  this  very  distrust  to  be  a  reason  against 
appointment,  and  also  a  reason  why  he  should   not  accept  it,  seeing  that 
such  doubts  and  fears  are  entertained  of  him  ?     Might  not  this  also  be  an 
argument  in  favor  of  electing  every  Bishop  for  a  term  of  years  on  trial, 
in  order  to  see  whether  he  will  appear  worthy  ?     If  it  is  feared  that  he  will 
invade  the  rights  of  the  principal  Bishop,  and  usurp  undue  authority,  I 
cannot    see    that     this     condition    would    serve    as    an    antidote  —  for 
if  the  assistant  is  disposed  to   this,  and   has   only  the  majority  of  the 
Church    on  his    side;    if   he    should    prove   the   more  popular    of  the 
two,  in  his  ministrations,  calculating  on   this,   supported  by  the  Church, 
he  may  encroach  upon    the  rights  of   the  superior,    and  not  fear    to 
lose  his  election  at  the  death  of  the  superior.     It  appears  to  me  that  the 
only  effectual  antidote  to  this  evil,  is,  the  adoption  of  a  principle  expressed 
in  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Bishops   at  the  time  of  Bishop  Moore's 
election,  viz.,  that  while  the  assistant  Bishop  is  competent  to  any  of  the 
duties  of  a  Bishop,  the  extent  to  which  that  power  shall  be  exercised,  shall 
be  regulated  by  the  Convention,  with  the  consent  of  the  Bishop.     Such  a 
principle  as  that,  I  think  highly  important  to  preserve  the  peace  of  the 
Church.     The  assistant'Bishop  should  be  allowed  to  exercise  no  power,  and 
perform  no  acts,  except  under  the  direction  of  the  Convention,  and  with  the 
consent  of  the  Bishop.     Should  he  trangress  these  rules,  he  then  is  liable 
to  be  tried,  and  degraded  from  his  office  altogether  ;  but  any  other  method 
of  degradation,  such   as  that  contemplated  in   this  conditional  election, 
would,  it  seems  to  me,  be  attended  by  the  most  unhappy  consequences  to 
the  Church.     Another  difficult}^  attends  the  present  case.     The  resolution 
does  not  say  what  is  to  become  of  the  assistant  Bishop,  should  the  election 
fall  on  some  other  person.     Is  he  to  be  the  assistant  still,  or  does  his  office 
expire  ?    Those  with  whom  I  have  conversed,  differ  on  the  subject.    Some 
say,  he  is  the  assistant  to  Bishop  Moore,  and  at  his  death  his  oflEice  ends. 
Others  say  he  is  assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia,  and  will  continue  as  such, 
if  not  promoted.     Many  perhaps  thought  nothing  about  it,  and  the  reso- 
lution does  not  settle  the  point.    The  Diocese  might  not  choose  to  have  him 
as  an  assistant,  and  it  is  not  very  likely  that  he  would  wish  to  be  assistant 
to  some  other  who  might  be  put  over  him.     But  does  not  all  this  render 
the   office   of  Bishop  more  uncertain,  short  lived,    and   less   respectable, 
than  we  are  accustomed  to  consider  it,  and  ought  to  consider  it?     Low 
Churchman  as   I  am,  I  feel  opposed  to  a  measure  which  seems  to  me  to 
derogate  from  the  dignity  which  God  and  His  Church  have  given  to  the 
ofifice,  and  which  also  appears  likely  to  make  it  promotive  of  discord,  rather 
than  of  peace. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  187 

I  should  be  truly  glad  to  hear  your  sentiments  on  the  subject.  You 
have  seen,  heard,  read  and  thought  much  more  than  I  have,  and  are  quali- 
fied to  correct  any  errors  into  which  I  have  fallen.  As  the  Convention  has 
done  it,  I  really  wish  it  to  ])e  rif^it,  and  should  be  glad  to  hear  anything 
which  can  be  said  in  its  behalf.  It  would  be  a  great  relief  to  my  mind  to 
have  its  expediency  made  apparent.  I  should  feel  much  more  satisfaction 
in  presenting  myself  for  consecration,  could  I  have  some  arguments  to 
oppose  those  which  weigh  on  my  mind  against  the  measure. 

Although  I  see  nothing  unlawful  or  unconstitutional  in  the  act,  yet,  as 
the  principle  is  fraught  with  evil,  I  do  not  think  that  I  can,  with  a  clear 
conscience,  ask  for  consecration,  unless  other  views  are  presented  to  my 
mind. 

*  vjt   *   *   -:&   -;S 

BISHOP   MOORE'S    reply. 

Richmond,  July  8,  1829. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  perceive  from  your  communication  of  May  24th,  and  the  2d  inst.,  that 
your  mind  has  been  disturbed  by  the  restriction  connected  with  your  elec- 
tion to  the  Episcopate.  As  you  have  desired  me  to  express  to  you  what 
may  be  said  in  favor  of  the  measure,  it  will  be  necessary  to  take  a  view  of 
both  sides  of  the  question,  and  by  a  comparison  of  the  eftects  of  one  mode 
with  the  other,  we  shall  be  able  to  ascertain  from  which  principle  the  great- 
est difficulty  may  arise. 

I  must  observe  to  you,  prior  to  my  observations  on  the  subject,  that  I 
have  been  informed  by  a  prominent  member  of  the  Convention,  and  that 
member  your  ardent  friend,  that  the  measure  was  reflectingly  adopted ; — 
not  that  the  principle  should  bear  upon  you  in  particular,  but  as  a  principle 
by  which  all  our  institutions,  both  civil  and  religious,  should  be  regulated. 

When  the  election  of  an  Assistant  Bishop  took  place  in  my  native  State, 
and  it  was  determined  that  the  person  elected  should,  in  case  of  survivor- 
ship, succeed  Bishop  B.  Moore,  I  strongly  disapproved  of  the  measure,  and 
for  the  following  reasons  : 

First:  I  took  it  for  granted  that  provided  the  succession  to  the  charge 
of  the  Diocese  should  be  made  to  depend  on  a  future  election,  the  then 
candidate  would  consider  himself  obliged  to  promote  the  cause  of  peace 
and  good-will  with  his  brethren ;  be  more  courteous  in  his  intercourse  with 
the  clergy,  and  less  disposed  to  act  oppressively  in  the  administration  of 
the  canoHS  of  the  Church. 

Secondly :  I  concluded  that  as  the  Bishop  of  New  York  had  been  elected 
by  ourselves,  it  was  but  reasonable  that  those  who  might  be  alive  at  his 
death,  should  enjoy  the  privilege  of  choosing  such  a  person  as  would  be 
most  agreeable  to  them. 


188  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

Thirdly  :  That  if  we,  (at  the  period  alluded  to)  possessed  the  right  to 
choose  an  assistant  Bishop,  and  to  say  that  such  assistant '  Bishop  should 
succeed  to  the  Diocesan,  we  had  an  equal  right  to  choose  two  assistants,  as 
ihe  Diocese  was  large  !  and  with  equal  ^opriety  to  say  that  the  succession 
should  belong  to  them  in  turn  ;  and  by  that  means  prevent  future  Conven- 
tions, to  the  third  generation,  from  the  choice  of  a  Diocesan. 

Fourthly :  Tt  was  my  opinion  that  a  second  election  would  prevent  a  man 
of  tyrannical  temper  from  exercising  a  disposition  of  cruelty ;  and  by  con- 
forming to  principles  of  generous  moderation  for  a  time,  a  habit  of  kind- 
ness would  be  produced,  a  habit  productive  of  comfort  to  himself,  and  of 
benefit  and  advantage  to  the  Church  —  a  habit  from  which  he  would  never 
be  disposed  to  depart. 

On  the  other  hand,  when  a  man  of  sound  principles,  affectionate  disposi- 
tion, good  sense  and  ardent  piety,  presents  himself  as  the  candidate,  I 
should  think  there  would  be  no  danger,  in  placing  him  beyond  the  reach  of 
disappointment.  But  would  not  the  qualifications  above  enumerated  ren- 
der him  certain  of  obtaining  the  ofifice  of  Diocesan  at  a  future  day  ?  Would 
any  man  think  of  opposing  an  individual  thus  fitted  for  the  appointment? 
an  individual,  who,  by  the  conscientious  discharge  of  his  duty,  must  ne- 
cessarily attach  the  great  body  of  the  clergy  and  laity  to  his  interests  ? 

In  your  case,  there  does  not  appear  to  me  to  be  any  difiiculty.  The  vote 
in  your  favor  was  un§,nimous.  The  clergy  and  laity  love  you  ;  you  are 
the  man  of  my  choice,  and  the  Church  in  Virginia  looks  up  to  you  as  a 
nursing  father. 

Should  the  condition  of  your  election  to  the  Episcopate  be  brought  for- 
ward as  an  objection  to  your  consecration,  I  should  be  obliged  to  receive  it 
with  great  allowance.  I  should  conclude  that  the  objection  would  be  more 
to  the  man,  than  to  the  condition  ;  and  that  the  presumption  of  a  deficiency 
in  High'Church  principles  would  constitute  the  chief  impediment.  I  can- 
not believe  that  the  Bishops,  or  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  will 
oppose  your  consecration.  The  measure  would  be  of  a  character  too  high- 
handed, and  might  produce  effects  which  all  moderate  men  would  deplore. 
I  call  myself  a  High  Churchman,  but  as  I  have  seen  some  acts  performed 
by  men  of  that  denomination  which  have  made  me  shudder,  I  think  it  high 
time  to  take  into  counsel  those  who  are  moderate  in  their  views,  and,  by 
preserving  a  balance  of  power,  preserve  the  present  unity  of  the  Church. 

The  Convention  of  Virginia  cannot  be  charged  with  a  disposition  to  call 
in  question  the  proceedings  of  other  portions  of  the  Church,  who  have  acted 
differently  from  themselves,  in  the  choice  of  an  assistant  Bishop.  They 
have  passed  resolutions,  calling  on  their  delegates,  to  entreat  the  General 
Convention  to  enact  a  law  on  the  subject  whereby  all  future  misunderstand- 
ings may  be  obviated,  and  in  which  the  duties^  and  the  number,  of  assistant 
Bishops  shall  be  clearly  defined. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  189 

You  ask  me,  provided  I  have  anj^  doubts  as  to  your  fitness  for  office,  to 
say  so.  So  far  from  having  any  doubts,  you  are  the  man  of  my  choice. 
You  have  the  best  claim  to  the  ajjpointment,  having  taken  the  Church  by 
the  hand  when  her  case  was  hopeless,  and  having  largely  contributed  to 
that  prosperity  with  which  the  Almighty  has  so  signally  blessed  us. 

With  love  to  Mrs.  Meade  and  all  friends,  believe  me,  most  sincerely  and 
affectionately,  • 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

Richard  Channing  Moore. 

P.  S. — I  shall  leave  this  as  soon  after  the  25th  of  this  month  as  possi- 
ble, and  will  endeavor  to  be  prepared  to  preach,  should  it  be  required. 

As  the  General  Convention  was  to  meet  in  less  than  six 
months  from  the  election  of  Dr.  Meade,  the  canons  re- 
quired that  "all  matters  relating  to  the  consecration," 
should  "be  deferred  until  the  said  meeting."  In  the  month 
of  August,  the  Greneral  Convention  assembled  in  Philadel- 
phia. Before  the  House  of  Bishops  could  take  order  for 
the  consecration  of  Dr.  Meade,  it  was  necessary  that  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  should  transmit  to 
them  their  "approbation  of  his  testimonials,"  "their  assent 
to  his  consecration,"  and  a  prescribed  "testimony"  in  his 
favor,  "signed  by  a  constitutional  majority  of  their  o^vn 
body."  When  this  was  proposed,  it  met  with  very  decided 
opposition.  l!»J^othing  was  alleged  affecting  his  moral  char- 
acter, or  intellectual  qualifications,  or  soundness  in  the 
faith.  These  were  all  amply  certified.  Nor  was  any  ex- 
ception taken  to  his  churchmanship.  No  doubt  there  were 
persons  present  to  whom  his  well-known  moderate  views 
were  very  unaccejDtable,  and  who  were  disposed  to  avail 
themselves  of  any  reasonable  objection  for  withholding 
their  consent.  But  in  the  earnest  and  able  discussion 
which  lasted  for  several  days,  no  one  was  heard  to  main- 
tain that  Dr.  Meade's  unwillingness  to  deny  the  validity  of 
all  orders  not  Episcopally  conferred^  was  good  and  sufiieient 
reason  for  refusing  assent  to  the  consecration.  This  im- 
portant and  delicate  case,  as  before  the  General  Conven- 


190  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

tion,  and  in  its  determination,  is  thus  stated  by  Dr. 
Hawks  in  his  "History  of  the  Church  in  Yirginia,"  page 
275-8 : 

"ISTo  speaker  expressed  himself  in  any  terms  but  those 
of  the  utmost  respect  toward  the  bishop  elect.  His  worth 
and  fitness  were  not  questioned,  but  a  mMter  of  princi]3le 
was  supposed  to  be  involved  in  the  restriction  put  upon 
the  right  of  succession. 

The  argument  against  the  consecration  turned  chiefly 
upon  constitutional  objections.  It  was,  in  substance,  that 
the  constitution  did  not  contemplate  the  possibility  of  a 
Eishop  without  a  Diocese ;  and  that,  according  to  the  spir- 
it of  that  instrument,  it  was  at  variance  with  the  system 
of  Episcopacy  (as  received  by  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States,  associated  under  that  consti- 
tution) not  to  guard  against  the  possibility  of  such  an 
event  in  the  Church  as  that  of  a  Bishop  at  large.  It  was 
said  that  Yirginia  had  not  the  right  to  impose  any  such 
restriction ;  and  on  this  head  an  argument  was  deduced 
from  the  state  of  the  Church  under  the  several  colonial 
governments,  when,  notwithstanding  the  distinct  rule  ex- 
ercised over  the  several  colonies,  the  Church  was  one,  and 
but  one,  united  under  its  only  Diocesan,  the  Bishop  of 
London,  That,  consequently,  after  the  revolution,  it  con- 
tinued to  be  one,  and  was  not  made  up  of  many  independ- 
ent churches  then  coming  into  union  for  the  first  time,  and 
reserving  certain  rights  while  they  surrendered  others. 
Certain  it  is,  that  the  Church  in  Yirginia  (whatever  may 
be  the  proper  theory  on  the  subject)  always  was,  in  her 
practice,  independent,  and  deemed  herself  at  liberty  to  act 
accordingly,  up  to  the  period  when  she  gave  her  assent  to 
the  great  charter  of  imion.  In  fact  (as  was  correctly  re- 
marked in  the  course  of  the  discussion),  our  ecclesiastical 
legislature  was  here  perplexed  with  the  same  delicate  and 
intricate  question  which  has  been  so  much  agitated  in  the 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  191 

halls  of  civil  legislation  :  State  -sovereignty  and  the  powers 
of  the  general  government  came  into  collision.* 

It  was  also  contended,  that  to  impose  the  restrictions 
nnder  discussion,  was  a  deviation  from  the  general  course 
pursued  relative  to  coadjutors,  or  assistant  Eishops.  In- 
stances might  indeed  be  adduced  to  the  contrary,  and  some 
too  in  very  early  times;  hut  these  are  to  be  deemed  excep- 
tions to  the  rule. 

On  grounds  of  policy  also,  it  was  argued  that  a  restric- 
tion upon  the  succession  was  to  be  deprecated.  Factious 
and  ambitious  presbyters  would  be  tempted  to  raise  par- 
ties for  themselves  in  opposition  to  those  possessed  of  an 
Episcopate,  the  exercise  of  which  was  to  cease  upon  the 
death  of  the  Diocesan;  and  laymen  of  influence,  it  was 
said,  (if  such  reduction  was  countenanced)  might  be  led 
to  impose  it  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  a  temporary  Bishop 
in  subjection  to  their  control,  and  thereby  destroying  his 
independence. 

The  result  of  the  deliberations  and  discussions  in  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  deputies  was,  that  the  testimo- 
nials of  Dr.  Meade  were  signed  by  a  majority  of  the  mem- 
bers, and  sent  up  to  the  House  of  Bishops.  Before,  how- 
ever, that  body  proceeded  to  the  consecration,  it  sent  down 
to  the  lower  House  a  declaration,  as  follows :  "  The  Bishops 
"cannot  proceed  to  this  important  measure,  without  de- 
"  daring  their  disapprobation  of  the  provision  in  the  elec- 
"tion  of  Dr.  Meade,  which  prevents  immediate  succession 
"to  the  Episcopacy,  on  the  decease  of  the  present  Bishop 
"  of  the  Diocese.  Nevertheless,  this  being  a  new  case  in 
'^  questions  of  consecration  in  the  Church  in  this  country, 
"the  Bishops,  entertaining  no  doubt  of  Dr.  Meade's  suc- 
"ceeding  to  the  Diocesan  Episcopacy,  in  the  event  of  his 

*  In  the  Committee,  tlie  Rev.  Dr.  C.  E.  Gadsden,  deputy  from  South 
Carolina,  remarked,  that  "if  the  rights  of  Virginia  were  disregarded, 
he  believed  that  neither  his  own,  nor  any  Southern  Diocese,  would  be 
again  represented  in  the  General  Convention." — J.  J. 


192  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

"surviving  the  present  Bishop,  have  not  permitted  the  pre- 
"  ceding  consideration  to  be  a  bar  to  his  consecration.  But 
"they  cannot  proceed  to  it  without  declaring  unanimously 
"  their  determination,  nor  without  recommending  to  the 
"future  members  of  this  House,  now  that  the  peculiarities 
"of  this  case  will  have  ceased,  not  to  give  such  further 
"countenance  to  the  innovation,  as  might  be  construed  to 
"bind  it  on  the  Church  to  her  lasting  injury."  And  with 
this  protestando,  the  Bishops  proceeded  to  the  consecra- 
tion, w^iich  took  place  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  nineteenth 
of  August,  1829." 

It  is  painful,  but  due  to  truth,  to  state,  that,  pending  the 
deliberation  in  the  House  of  Bishops,  Bishop  Eavenscroft 
declared  his  unwillingness  to  concur  in  the  consecration 
of  Dr.  Meade,  unless  he  was  satisfied  as  to  the  soundness 
of  his  church  principles.  In  justification  of  his  demur,  he 
alluded  to  a  correspondence  on  the  subject  between  Dr. 
Empie  and  Dr.  Meade,  in  which  the  latter  had  evaded  cer- 
tain test  questions  which  had  been  submitted  to  him.  The 
difiiculty  was  confined  to  the  speaker.  It  certainly  had 
no  influence  upon  the  action  of  the  House  of  Bishops, 
though  they  may  have  indulged  him  with  an  oj^portunity 
for  settling  his  own  mind  on  a  subject  in  reference  to  which 
it  is  unaccountable  that  he  should  have  experienced  any 
uncertainty.  Dr.  Meade  and  himself  were  natives  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  for  six  years  had  been  fellow  presbyters  in  the 
same  Diocese,  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  which, 
Dr.  Meade's  moderate  views  in  Church  policy,  were  as  no- 
torious, as  his  own  violent  ultraism.  A  personal  confer- 
ence which  Bishop  Eavenscroft  proposed,  and  which  Dr. 
Meade  promptly  declined,  was  useless,  so  far  as  any  addi- 
tional information  was  concerned,  and,  under  the  existing 
circumstances,  inadmissible,  because  indecorous.  Bishop 
Eavenscroft  ought  to  have  known  Dr.  Meade  well  enough 
to  be  assured  that  if  such  an  inquisition,  at  this  juncture, 
was  a  necessary  preliminary  to  his  elevation  to  the  Epis- 
copate, he  would  remain  a  presbytfer. 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  39.*^ 

Bishop  Moore  had  informed  Dr.  Meade  of  the  represent- 
ation made  by  Bishop  Eavenscroft  in  the  Hoitee  of  Bish- 
ops, as  to  the  evasive  character  of  his  replies  to  Dr.  Em- 
pie's  interrogatories,  and  Dr.  Meade  authorized  Bishop 
Moore  to  say,  that  if  desired,  he  would  immediately  pub- 
lish the  correspondence  for  the  use  of  the  Convention. 
This  was  stated  by  Bishop  Moore  in  the  House  of  Bishops 
in  the  presence  of  Bishop  Eavenscroft.  There  was  no  call 
for  the  correspondence.  The  House  took  order  for  the 
consecration  of  the  Bishop  elect  on  Wednesday,  the  19th 
of  August. 

Soon  after  Bishop  Meade's  return  to  Virginia  he  wrote 
to  Dr.  Empie  in  reference  to  the  representations  made  by 
Bishop  Eavenscroft  : 

Sept.  1,  1829. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Very  unexpectedly,  and  contrary  to  my  wishes,  I  am  led  to  refer  to  the 
correspondence  which  took  place  between  us  during  the  last  winter.  At 
our  late  Convention,  in  Philadelphii,  I  was  informed  that  Bishop  Ravens- 
croft,  on  his  way  to  that  place,  spoke  of  that  correspondence  in  terms  not 
very  creditable  to  myself.  He  declared  that  I  had  returned  evasive  answers 
to  every  question  proposed.  The  same  statement,  as  Bishop  Moore  in- 
formed me,  was  made  by  him  to  the  House  of  Bishops.  Thinking  it  possi- 
ble that  some  rumor  of  this  correspondence  might  have  gotten  abroad, 
with  the  usual  misrepresentations  attending  such  things,  I  had  put  the  let- 
ters in  my  trunk.  On  being  informed  that  Bishop  Eavenscroft  had  thus 
spoken,  1  requested  Bishop  Moore  to  inform  the  Bishops  that  the  corres- 
pondence was  at  hand,  and  ready  for  their  inspection;  moreover,  that  if 
the  members  of  the  other  House  required  them,  they  should  be  put  to  press 
without  delay.  Bishop  Moore  made  this  communication  to  the  House  of 
Bishops,  in  the  presence  of  Bishop  Eavenscroft.  Nothing  more,  however, 
was  said  about  the  letters,  and  I  brought  them  home,  without  having  occa- 
sion to  use  them  for  any  one. 

I  do  not  write,  my  dear  sir,  to  complain  of  any  use  you  may  choose  to 
make  of  our  correspondence  (though  others  censure  you  for  it),  as  there 
was  not  a  word  which  I  could  wish  to  conceal  from  any  human  being,  but, 
injustice  to  yourself,  I  wish  to  know  whether  you  represented  me  as  be- 
ing guilty  of  disingenuous  evasions,  or  whether  Bishop  Eavenscroft  was 
put  in  possession  of  the  whole  correspondence,  and  made  that  charge 
9  • 


194  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

against  me  of  his  own  accord.  I  ha"ve  not  admitted  into  my  own  mind 
the  thought,  that  you  could  have  made  a  statement  so  contrary  to  truth, 
and  so  inconsistent  with  your  own  acknowledgments,  which  give  me 
credit  for  the  greatest  candor,  and  I  have  uniformly  declared  my  convic- 
tion that  you  had  never  expressed  such  a  sentiment. 

Nevertheless,  it  would  be  gratifying  to  me  to  have  your  own  author- 
ity for  the  denial,  which  I  hope  you  will  afford  me  ere  long.  I  will 
only  add  that  the  difference  which  subsists  between  us  on  subjects  which 
I  am  still  convinced,  are  left  by  our  Church  to  individual  opinion,  will, 
I  trust,  on  neither  part,  interfere  with  our  zealous  co-operation  in  every 
measure  calculated  to  promote  the  cause  of  our  Eede.emer.  I  pray  that 
God  may  abundantly  bless  you  in  the  station  in  which  His  Providence  has 
placed  you,  and  make  you  an  instrument  of  much  good  to  the  cause  of 
literature,  as  well  as  of  religion,  in  our  State. 

May  a  gracious  Providence  watch  over  you,  and  your  dear  family,  during 
the  season  of  sickness,  and  preserve  you  in  health  and  safety,  for  increasing 
usefulness  during  your  future  life.  With  best  regards  to  all  friends  in 
Williamsburg,  I  remain 

Your  friend  and  brother  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ, 

William  Meade. 

William  and  Mary  College,  Sept.  11,  1829. 
Rt.  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir: 

The  contents  of  your  letter  have  been  a  source  of  surprise  and  regret,  as 
I  had  thought  our  correspondence  buried  in  oblivion,  or  flattered  myself, 
that  I  had  discharged  my  duty  in  such  a  way,  as  to  give  no  possible  cause 
of  offence.  But,  without  further  preliminaries,  I  hasten  to  make  such  re- 
marks as,  the  matter  of  your  communication  seems  to  demand. 

As  I  knew  Bishop  Ravenscroft  was  intimately  acquainted  with  your 
opinions,  character  and  ministerial  practice,  I  wrote  to  him  to  learn  what 
he  thought  on  the  subject  of  your  election  to  the  Episcopate,  and  I  at  the 
same  time  expressly  stated  that  I  wished  everything  that  came  from  me  on 
this  subject  should  be  regarded  as  confidential.  Bishop  R.,  with  his  usual 
frankness,  was  kindly  pleased  to  give  me  his  views,  and  his  reasons  for  not 
thinking  you  a  proper  candidate.  I  told  him  I  thought  he  was  laboring 
under  some  mistake  on  the  subject;  that  I  was  told  you  had  altered  both 
in  sentiments  and  in  practice,  and  that  I  was  determined  therefore  frankly 
to  address  you  personally  for  information.  This  led  to  our  correspond- 
ence, after  which  I  informed  Bishop  R.  that  I  had  been  mistaken  in  my 
opinion  of  your  sentiments,  that  you  had  answered  some  of  my  questions, 
but  that  you  had  declined  answering  others,  and  that  I  could  not  in  con- 
science support  your  election. 

This,  as  far  as  I  recollect,  is  the  substance  of  what  I  wrote  to  Bishop  R. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  195 

I  kept  no  duplicate,  and  do  not  remember  the  precise  terms  which  I  used. 
Instead  of  saying  "declined  answering,"  I  may  have  said  you  "evaded 
my  other  questions."  For  in  my  communication  to  Bishop  R.,  I  went  not 
into  detail,  nor  has  he  any  other  knowledge  of  our  correspondence  than 
that  above  noticed,  as  he  has  neither  seen  me,  or  our  letters.  The  idea  of 
your  having  been  guilty  of  "disingenuous  evasions"  never  entered  my 
head,  was  not  designed  to  be  conveyed  by  my  letter,  and  if  my  language 
admitted  such  a  construction,  I  am  truly  sorry  for  it  ;  for,  the  purity  of  your 
motives,  I  never  had  the  remotest  idea  of  questioning  or  impeaching.  And 
that  Bishop  R.  should  have  expressed  himself  to  this  effect,  and  that  indeed 
he  should  have  uttered  a  single  syllable  as  to  our  correspondence,  on  his  way 
or  in  the  Convention,  I  deeply  regret.  He  probably  forgot  that  I  had 
written  expressly  in  confidence,  and  if  I  used  the  term  "evade,"  he  inter- 
preted it  differently  from  my  intention,  for  we  may  evade  an  answer  from 
a  sufficient  and  worthy,  as  well  as  from  an  insufficient  and  unworthy 
motive. 

Permit  me,  however,  in  frankness  to  remark,  that  when  I  thanked  you 
for  the  candor  with  which  you  expressed  your  sentiments,  I  could  not  mean 
to  say  that  you  gave  a  candid  answer  to  all  my  inquiries.  You  gave  a 
direct,  or  implied  answer  on  three  points.  At  all  the  others  you  seemed 
displeased,  and  waived  them,  by  referring  me  to  other  sources  for  informa- 
tion. But,  considering  that  you  are,  on  principle,  opposed  to  this  ques- 
tioning and  answering,  in  the  case  of  candidates  for  office,  I  thought  you 
were  very  candid  and  kind  to  me  in  communicating  your  sentiments  as 
freely  and  as  extensively  as  you  did.  For  this  I  expressed  my  gratitude. 
You  say  that  many  condemn  me  for  acquainting  Bishop  R.  with  our 
correspondence.  The  preceding  account,  I  trust,  shows  that  they  are  hasty 
in  their  censures.  At  all  events,  my  own  conscience  acquits  me  of  all  of- 
fence towards  God  and  man.  After  all  that  had  passed  between  Bishop  R. 
and  myself,  I  could  not  in  propriety  do  otherwise  than  acquaint  him  with 
the  result  of  my  letter  to  you  ;  and  should  similar  circumstances  again  oc- 
cur, I  should  feel  myself  in  duty  bound  to  pursue  substantially  the  same 
course.     Experience  would  teach  me  only  to  use  greater  circumspection. 

I  may  be  permitted  to  hope  that,  as  an  act  of  justice  and  of  brotherly 
kindness,  when  you  see  or  write  to  those  who  censure  me  in  this  matter, 
you  will  briefly  state  the  whole  truth,  as  now  exhibited. 

For  your  kind  prayers  and  good  wishes.  Right  Reverend  and  dear  sir, 
accept  my  hearty  thanks.  God's  Providence  has  now  made  you  my  Bishop, 
and  rest  assured,  nothing  shall  occur  on  ray  part  to  disturb  our  harmony, 
or  impede  our  usefulness. 

May  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  multiply  grace,  mercy  and  peace  upon 
you  and  yours. 

Sincerely  and  affectionately.  Your  Brother  in  Christ, 

A.  Empie. 


196  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

Bishop  Meade  continued  for  some  years  to  officiate  as 
the  rector  of  Frederick  Parish,  and  now  to  the  charge  of 
this  congregation,  which,  as  the  reports  to  the  Convention 
indicate,  still  prospered  under  his  ministry ;  he  superadded 
the  care  of  all  the  churches  of  the  Diocese. 

His  first  Episcopal  service  was  the  consecration  of  the 
new  church  in  Winchester.  "  Seven  brethren  from  Marj^- 
"land  and  Virginia  were  present.  The  season  was  solemn 
"and  interesting.  On  the  two  following  days  and  nights 
"religious  services  were  continued.  Sacrament  on  Sun- 
^'day." 

For  some  weeks  he  was  engaged  visiting  the  churches 
in  Frederick,  and  the  neighboring  counties.  On  the  1st  of 
December,  he  commenced  a  tour  which  occupied  him  eight 
weeks,  during  which  he  visited  the  counties  of  Augusta, 
Kockbridge,  Eoanoke,  Bedford,  Campbell,  Pittsylvania, 
Halifax,  Mecklenburg,  Amherst,  IsTelson,  Cumberland,  Al- 
bemarle, Orange,  Culpeper,  and  Fauquier.  On  this  visi- 
tation he  preached  fifty-four  times,  held  two  ordinations, 
administered  baptism  nine  times,  and  confirmed  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty-eight  persons.  His  private  record  of  these 
Episcopal  services  commenced  with  this  preface : 

"It  having  pleased  Almighty  God  to  call  me  in  the  thir- 
ty-ninth year  of  my  life,  and  the  eighteenth  of  my  minis- 
try, to  the  high  and  holy  office  of  Bishop  in  His  Church, 
it  is  meet  that  I  should  keep  a  record  of  those  acts  which 
I  shall  perform  in  this  new  character,  and  therefore  I  have 
obtained  this  book,  and  on  this  19th  of  September,  1829, 
I  write  on  this  first  page  my  humble  hope  and  earnest 
prayer  that  I  may  never  record  anything  which  my  own 
heart,  or  God,  who  is  greater  than  m.j  own  heart,  may 
condemn." 

He  closes  the  record  of  this  visitation  with  these  lines : 
"Eeached  home  last  night  after  eight  weeks'  absence,  in 
some  measure,  I  trust,  sensible  of  the  great  honor  confer- 
red on  me  by  God,  in  permitting  me  to  labor  in  His  serv- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  197 

ice  and  perform  such  holy  duties — and  thankful  to  Him 
for  preserving  me  in  health  and  safety — giving  me  such 
favorable  weather,  and  restoring  me  again  to  my  beloved 
family  and  friends  and  people." 

This  journal,  which  is  merely  a  memorandum  of  official 
services,  from  which  he  made  his  annual  report  to  the  Con- 
vention, was  discontinued  in  1831,  with  the  note,  "Kept 
elsewhere  until  the  death  of  Bishop  Moore  in  1841." 

{General  3Iissionary  Society.) — A  general  revival  of  pure 
and  undefiled  religion  invariably  produces  a  desire,  that  its 
privileges  may  be  extended  to  others,  and  this  desire,  in 
its  efforts  to  accomplish  its  object,  recognizes  no  geograph- 
ical lines,  and  is  limited  only  by  known  destitution,  and 
ability,  and  opportunity  to  render  relief.  A  missionary 
spirit  existed  in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  some 
time  previous  to  any  organization  to  provide  for  its  effi- 
cient action  in  the  foreign  field.  The  contribution  of  its 
members  in  this  direction  were  appropriated  through  the 
agency  of  other  denominations,  to  whose  periodicals,  chief- 
ly, they  were  indebted  for  the  missionary  intelligence  by 
which  their  interest  was  sustained  and  increased.  The  first 
concerted  movement  in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  America  was  made,  not  in  the  General,  or  any  Dio- 
cesan Convention,  but  by  an  understanding  amongst  such 
persons,  as,  on  this  subject,  were  very  naturally  brought 
into  communication,  by  being  of  one  mind  and  one  heart. 
A  voluntary  Association  was  formed,  comprising  clergy 
and  laity  of  different  dioceses.  In  this  Society  Mr.  Meade 
took  a  lively  interest,  and  both  before,  and  after  his  conse- 
cration, was  active  in  its  support  and  management.  "With 
the  exception  of  the  vast  missionary  district  embracing 
the  dominion  of  the  Sultan,  and  having  its  beginning  in 
Constantinople,  all  the  foreign  stations  of  the  Society  were 
supplied  with  laborers  from  the  Virginia  Seminary.  This 
was  early  pervaded  by  a  missionary  spirit,  which  was  in 
every  way  encouraged   by  the   professors   and   bishops. 


198  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

Never  was  there  a  special  call  from  the  foreign  field  that 
did  not  find  a  ready  response  from  this  favored  school, 
which  furnished  the  laborers  in  Greece,  Africa  and  China, 
several  of  whom  continued  their  canonical  connection  with 
the  diocese  of  Yirginia.  When  the  Church  at  the  two 
stations  last  named  had  so  increased  as  to  require  the  su- 
pervision of  a  bishop,  in  each  case,  the  worthy  brother  ap- 
pointed, was  an  Alumnus  of  the  Alexandria  Seminary. 
These  facts,  apart  from  other  considerations,  account  for 
Bishop  Meade's  intimate  connection,  and  warm  sympathy 
with  the  operations  of  the  Society.  Its  voluntary  char- 
acter continued  until  1835,  when  some  of  the  most  active 
friends,  desirous  to  enlarge  the  number  of  its  supporters 
and  extend  its  influence,  and  supposing  that  their  object 
would  be  effected  by  its  organic  connection  with  the  G-en- 
eral  Convention,  exerted  themselves  to  bring  about  this 
result.  Some  persons  who  had  hitherto  stood  aloof  on  the 
ground  of  its  irresponsibility,  expressed  a  willingness  to 
sustain  it  if  it  were  made  a  Church  institution.  The  pro- 
posal met  with  general  favor.  The  arrangements  for  ac- 
complishing the  change  which,  when  the  General  Conven- 
tion met  in  Philadelphia  in  1835,  had  for  some  time  been 
in  progress,  were  then  completed.  By  a  majority  of  the 
voluntary  Society  it  was  transferred  to  the  General  Con- 
vention, and  the  transfer  received  by  that  body,  which 
formally  resolved  the  Church  it  represented  into  a  grand 
missionary  society,  of  which  all  baptized  persons  were  de- 
clared to  be  members.  At  the  same  time,  the  field  was  de- 
fined to  be  "the  world."  The  distinction  between  for- 
eign and  domestic  was  to  be  abolished,  and  the  terms  used 
only  to  facilitate  division  of  labor,  and  secure  systematic 
and  accurate  operation.  The  Board  of  Directors  was  to 
be  elected  triennially  by  the  General  Convention,  and  by 
two  committees,  a  foreign  and  domestic,  to  manage  the 
business  of  the  Society  and  report  to  the  General  Conven- 
tion.    Provision  was  made  for  the  designation  of  mission- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  199 

ary  districts,  and  the  election  of  missionary  bishops,  by 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  on  nomination 
by  the  House  of  Bishops. 

This  arrangement,  effected  by  many  who  were  generally 
on  opposite  sides  in  Church  matters,  was  hailed  as  very 
significant  of  a  happy  unity  of  spirit,  and  as  giving  prom- 
ise of  growing  agreement  in  faith  and  practice.     Bishop 
Meade  thus  alludes  to  it :    "I  was  not  at  the  opening  of 
this  G-eneral  Convention,  being  detained  several  days  in 
Yirginia.     All  things  were  agreed  upon  before  my  arrival, 
between  some  of  those  who,  from  their  location  and  other 
circumstances,  took  a  more  active  part  in  the  conduct  of 
the  Society.     On  reaching  Philadelphia,  a  number  of  breth- 
ren whose  lead  I  was  always  ready  to  follow  in  regard  to 
such  matters,  and  some  of  whom  are  yet  alive,  informed 
me,  that  a  most  happy  agreement  had  taken  place  among 
the  active  friends  of  missions,  that  all  party  distinctions 
were  to  be  done  away,  and  that,  in  proof  of  the  liberal 
feeling  toward  those  of  our  way  of  thinking,  one  Bishop 
should  be  chosen  for  China,  and  two  for  the  domestic  field 
— one  of  the  latter,  together  with  the  former,  should  be 
such  as  we  would  designate.     Of  course  this  was  very  ac- 
ceptable to  one  who  had  never  professed  to  be  indifferent 
to  the  distinctions  which  prevailed  in  the   Church.     It 
seemed  to  promise  well.     On  conversing  with  that  wise 
and  good  man.  Bishop  Griswold,  I  found  that  he  was  not 
at  all  carried  away  with  the  new  plan;    that  he  would  ra- 
ther it  would  assume  more,  than  less,  of  the  voluntary 
system,  referring  to  the  two  successful  Societies  in  England 
— the   Church  Missionary  Society,  and  the  Society  for 
propagating  the  Gospel — which  had  always  acted  on  the 
voluntary  principle.     When  the  proposed   change    came 
before   the   whole    Society   for   discussion,  there   was,  I 
thought,  a  disposition  on  the  part  of  some  to  underrate 
the  character  and  success  of  the  old  organization,  and  I 
took  the  liberty  to  object  to  such  strictures,  and  to  refer 


200  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

to  what  it  had  done,  and  especially  to  the  great  increase 
of  its  funds  for  the  last  j-ear  or  two,  at  the  same  time  de- 
claring my  intention,  to  act  with  those  who  understood 
the  operation  of  the  Society  better  than  myself  All  things 
were  settled  on  the  new  platform,  and  some  of  us  contin. 
Tied  until  the  last  night  of  the  Convention  under  the  pleas- 
ing expectation  of  having  two  missionary  Bishops  of  our 
own  choice;  but  it  so  haj)pened  that  two  of  the  other  side 
were  chosen  for  the  domestic  field,  and  the  election  of  one 
for  the  foreign  field  was  indefinitely  postponed.  This, 
among  other  things,  may  help  to  account  for  the  fact  that 
some  of  us  are  rather  fearful  of  what  are  called  compro- 
mises." (Old  Church  of  Virginia,  p.  379). 

If  this  breach  of  good  faith — for  on  the  statement  of 
Bishop  Meade  it  was  nothing  else — had  determined  those 
who  had  been  overreached  to  withdraw  at  once,  and  on 
this  ground,  from  the  Society,  and  to  reorganize  the  late 
Association,  which,'  from  mistaken  views  of  exj^ediency, 
had  been  dissolved,  no  one  could  have  justly  censured  the 
manly  move.  It  now  needs  no  great  discernment  to  per- 
ceive that  the  cause  of  missions  would  not  have  suffered 
by  an  early  retrogradation.  They  concluded,  however,  as 
the  alliance  had  been  formed,  to  submit  to  the  wrong,  and 
not  to  allow  their  disappointment  and  mortification  to  in- 
terfere with  their  honest  support  of  the  Church  institution. 
''In  many  addresses  throughout  Virginia,"  says  Bishop 
Meade,  "I  advocated  it,  even  as  though  it  had  commend- 
ed itself  entirely  to  my  choice  and  judgment."  And  such 
was  generally  the  generous  policy  of  those  whose  confi- 
dence had  been  abused  by  the  first  act  of  the  new  Society. 
That  it  accomplished  good,  though  its  machinery  was  in 
several  respects  objectionable,  and  its  workmen  not  always 
of  the  stamp  that  "need  not  to  be  ashamed,"  is  not  to  be 
questioned.  But  both  departments,  and  more  especially 
the  domestic,  failed  to  give  satisfaction  to  the  Church  at 
large.     The  diminished  contributions  indicated,  not  abat- 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  201 

ing  zeal  in  the  cause,  but  declining  confidence  in  its  man- 
agement. Various  expedients  were  resorted  to,  but  with 
only  temporary  effect.  The  result  was,  that  after  a  fair 
experiment,  and  no  prospect  of  permanent  improvement, 
"an  Episcopal  Missionary  Society  for  the  West  was  estab- 
lished in  Philadelphia,  which  afforded  a  channel  for  the 
conveyance  of  funds  to  those  missionaries,  and  those  only, 
who  are  believed  by  the  donors  to  disseminate  the  true 
doctrines  of  the  Gospel  and  the  Church."  This  Associa- 
tion established  a  connection  with  the  Church  Institution, 
but  was  really  independent  in  its  means  and  measures. 
Subsequently  to  this,  a  movement  was  made  to  form  a 
general  Society  on  the  voluntary  plan,  which  was  counte- 
nanced and  sustained  by  some  of  all  orders  of  the  Church. 
Bishop  Meade  describes  his  own  course  in  reference  to 
each  of  the  three  organizations:  "At  first,  and  for  some 
time,  I  gave  my  annual  contributions  to  domestic  missions 
(i.  e.:  directly  through  the  General  Society),  but  such  were 
the  accounts  received  in  various  ways,  and  such  the  most 
unsatisfactory  reports  of  the  missionaries,  that  I  could  not 
continue  them  with  a  good  conscience."  He  therefore 
availed  himself  of  the  agency  of  the  Philadelphia  Associa- 
tion, and  gladly  contributed  to  its  support.  In  the  for- 
eign oj^erations  of  the  Church  Society  he  continued  to  be 
much  interested,  and  though  not  always  concurring  in  the 
policy  of  that  committee,  his  influence  and  his  means  were 
generously  bestowed  to  advance  its  great  object.  With 
the  new  independent  enterprise  he  5id  not  see  his  way 
clear  to  connect  himself  On  this  subject  he  writes: — 
"Though  hoping  that  the  time  would  soon  come,  when,, 
under  favorable  auspices,  some  voluntary  society  might 
by  general  consent  be  formed,  I  have  hitherto  discouraged 
all  suggestions  or  proposals,  either  public  or  private,  which 
looked  toward  a  new  society  antagonistic  to  that  already 
established."  He  was,  from  the  first,  unfavorable  to  its 
connection  with  the  General  Convention.  There  was,  as 
9* 


^02  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

has  been  related,  enough  in  the  action  of  that  body,  during 
the  session  at  which  the  union  was  consummated,  to  in- 
crease this  feeling  of  aversion  to  the  ill-judged  connection. 
Of  one  of  the  provisions  he  decidedly  disapproved — that 
which  devolved  upon  the  House  of  Bishops  the  nomina- 
tion, and  on  the  other  House  the  election,  of  the  mission- 
ary bishops.  He  regarded  this  as  wrong  in  itself — inas- 
much as  the  election  of  a  bishop  should  be  by  the  clergy 
and  laity  over  whom  he  is  to  be  placed,  and  should  be  de- 
ferred until  the  Church,  in  that  particular  district,  is  capa- 
ble of  choosing  for  itself — and  very  disturbing  in  its  influ- 
ence on  the  Convention,  as  it  furnished  occasion  for  most 
exciting  contention,  and  with  it,  very  questionable  man- 
agement, and,  as  an  unavoidable  consequence,  unchristian 
feelings — all  of  which  are  discreditable  anywhere,  but  es- 
pecially in  an  ecclesiastical  assembly.  A  faithful  history 
of  the  elections  which  have  taken  place  under  this  ill- 
judged  provision  would  be  sufficient  for  its  condemnation. 
But  there  is  slender  hope  of  its  abandonment  by  any  ma- 
jority whose  ascendancy  it  serves  to  perpetuate.  The 
Bishop's  views  on  this  subject  are  embodied  in  a  document 
relating  to  matters  of  more  recent  date,  which  will  be 
found  in  its  proper  place. 

(Bible  Society). — At  an  early  period  of  his  ministry, 
Bishop  Meade  was  very  sensible  of  the  importance  of  the 
press,  as  an  auxiliary,  in  the  diffusion  of  religious  knowl- 
edge, and  before  the  existence  of  any  formal  organization 
for  this  purpose  in  "the  American  Church,  he  diligently 
availed  himself  of  this  instrumentality,  and  engaged  the 
co-operation  of  others,  in  publishing  original  works,  and 
in  reproducing  such  treatises  as  he  found  to  be  useful. 
"When  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  was  formed, 
he  became  at  once  one  of  its  most  efficient  supporters. 
Though  he  never  appeared  on  its  platform,  or  attended  its 
anniversary  meetings,  he  contributed  systematically  and 
liberally  to  its  support,  and  often  and  earnestly  commend- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  203 

ed  it  to  the  generous  patronage  of  the  people  of  Yirginia. 
On  his  death-bed  his  heart  was  with  the  enterprise,  then 
in  progress,  to  organize  a  similar  institution  in  the  Con- 
federate States,  He  directed  a  telegram  to  be  sent  to  the 
delegates  assembled  at  Augusta,  Georgia,  requesting  to  be 
enrolled  as  a  life-member,  and  expressed  the  hope  that  it 
would  receive  the  cordial  support  of  the  Bishops,  and  other 
clergy  and  laity,  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

The  American  Tract  Society,  formed  by  an  union  of  the 
different  evangelical  denominations,  to  print  and  circulate 
tracts  on  those  great  doctrines  and  duties  in  reference  to 
which  they  were  all  agreed,  he  regarded  with  like  interest 
and  sustained  with  similar  zeal.  Many  doubt  the  feasibil- 
ity of  such  a  plan.  He  did  not.  For  many  years,  its  ad- 
mirable management  and  great  usefulness  signally  sus- 
tained his  judgment,  and  compensated  his  confidence.  After 
long  and  harmonious  action,  however,  an  attempt  was 
made  to  introduce  the  leaven  of  ISTew  England  fanaticism, 
in  the  form  of  tracts,  not  touching  the  lawfulness  of  slavery 
— any  such  intention  was  disavowed — but  setting  forth 
the  duty,  and  mode  of  imparting  religious  instruction  to 
persons  held  in  bondage.  The  proposal  was  resisted  by 
the  Board  of  Managers,  as  in  violation  of  the  constitution 
of  the  Society,  and  sure  to  alienate  from  it  all  its  friends 
in  the  South,  among  whom  were  many  of  its  most  influen- 
tial and  active  patrons.  At  last  the  pressure  became  so 
strong,  and  the  threat  of  secession  became  so  loud,  that 
the  Board  deemed  it  expedient  to  convene  the  Society,  and 
submit  the  matter  to  their  determination.  On  this  call  a 
meeting  was  held  in  the  city  of  IN^ew  York.  .  Delegates 
were  there  from  every  State  in  the  Union.  The  assem- 
blage was  said  to  be  the  most  imposing  of  the  kind  ever 
convened  in  that  city.  The  Bishop  of  Yirginia,  though  in- 
tensely concerned,  was  not  able  to  be  present,  but  he  com- 
municated fully  by  letter  with  those  who  were,  and  though 
absent  in  person,  his  wise  counsel  was  heard,  and  his  salu- 


204  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

tary  influence  felt  in  that  grave  and  momentous  discussion. 
The  result  was,  the  triumph  of  conservatism,  and  a  new 
guarantee  that  the  constitution  should  be  maintained. 
Christians  and  patriots,  throughout  the  length  and  breadth 
of  the  land,  were  cheered  by  the  announcement  that  the 
mischievous  measure  proposed  was  rejected  by  a  vote  of 
two-thirds.  The  action  was  regarded  as  happily  signifi- 
cant of  the  decisive  judgment  of  the  rehgious  community, 
that  the  institution  of  slavery  was  to  be  left  entirely  to 
the  wisdom  and  conscience  of  those  among  whom  it  ex- 
isted, and  who,  it  might  be  presumed,  best  understood  its 
relation  and  their  duties.  0  si  sic  semper  ubique  et  ah  om- 
nibus ! 

(Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union). —  The  issues  of  the 
American  Tract  Society  were,  from  the  nature  of  the 
Union,  confined  to  doctrines,  and  duties,  in  reference  to 
which  the  different  denominations  of  which  it  was  com- 
posed, were  agreed.  But  each  denomination  is  distin- 
guished by  certain  peculiarities,  which,  though  not  essen- 
tial to  salvation,  are,  by  those  who  hold  them,  considered 
as  important  in  their  bearing  on  the  integrity  and  efiicien- 
cy  of  the  Church,  and  on  their  influence  in  promoting  the 
personal  piety  of  those  who  profess,  and  call  themselves 
Christian's.  To  neglect  their  timely  and  distinct  exhibi- 
tion, with  the  reasons  for  their  adoption  and  practice, 
would  be  a  culpable  delinquency  in  the  cause  of  truth,  and 
a  want  of  charity  to  our  fellow  men.  In  publications  of 
this  description,  none  could  be  expected  to  co-operate,  but 
those  of  the  same  communion.  Many  of  the  clergy  and 
laity  of  the  Church  were  desirous  to  form  a  Society  for 
this  purpose,  and  the  meeting  of  the  General  Convention 
in  1826,  was  selected  as  the  occasion  most  favorable  for  its 
accomplishment.  The  movement,  however,  was  embar- 
rassed by  serious  difficulties.  Some  projoosed  that  the  So- 
ciety should  be  created  by  the  General  Convention,  and 
managed  by  a  Board  elected  by  that  body,  and  responsi- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISUOP   MEADE.  205 

ble  to  it  for  all  their  publications.  But  it  was  objected 
that  this  would  be  to  give  to  them  the  imprimatur  of  the 
Church,  and  thus,  by  placing  them  on  a  level  with  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  to  add  to  the  standards  of  the 
Church,  in  violation  of  its  constitution.  If  such  a  Society 
were  formed,  it  must  therefore,  from  the  object  it  proposed, 
be  a  voluntary  association. 

Again :  On  several  points  of  doctrine,  discipline  and 
worship,  the  standards  of  the  Church  were  so  framed,  as 
to  allow  within  certain  limits,  a  diversity  of  opinion  and 
practice,  and  it  was  well  known  that  under  this  wise  allow- 
ance, her  clergy,  though  differing  in  some  of  their  views 
and  policy,  could,  and  did  minister  together  in  unity  of 
spirit,  and  the  bond  of  peace.  It  would  not  be  easy  to 
frame  the  Society's  publications  so  as  not  to  trench  upon 
this  latitude,  and  by  thus  interfering  with  the  liberty  sanc- 
tioned by  the  Church,  to  offend  those  brethren  whose 
views  were  disapproved.  The  whole  subject  was  beset  by 
practical  and  serious  difficulties,  but  candor  and  concilia- 
tion were  in  the  ascendant,  and  the  conference  resulted  in 
the  formation  of  a  voluntary  Society, -styled  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Sunday  School  and  Tract  Society,  and  with  a 
distinct  understanding  that  it  should  be  conducted  with  a 
full  regard  to  the  diversity  of  sentiment  known  to  exist 
among  the  clergy.  But  it  was  easier  to  promise  with 
honest  purpose  to  perform,  than  to  execute  accordingly. 
The  only  effectual  security— a  j^rovision  that  the  different 
parties  should  be  represented  in  the  Board,  or  Executive 
Committee,  and  unanimous  consent  required  to  authorize 
any  publication,  was  neglected.  What  was  commenced 
with  so  much  expectation  was  not  long  in  losing  the  con- 
fidence, and  with  it  the  support,  of  a  large  portion  of  the 
Church.  Its  history  is  best  furnished  in  the  language  of 
Bishop  Meade,  who  soon  found  it  necessary  to  remonstrate 
with  those  by  whom  it  was  conducted,  and  ultimately  to 
expose  its  errors,  and  withdraw  his  recommendation. : 


206  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

"The  Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union  was  established 
at  the  General  Convention  of  1826.  Nothing  of  its  form- 
ation appears  on  the  journal,  for  it  was  not  even  proposed 
to  the  House.  It  was  the  wish  of  some,  to  make  it  an  in- 
stitution of  the  Convention,  and  such  a  proposition  was 
talked  of;  but  the  whole  history  of  the  action  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  was  against  it.  On  more  than  one  occa- 
sion, individuals  had  applied  to  the  Convention,  or  to  the 
House  of  Bishops,  to  adopt  or  recommend  certain  Church- 
books,  but  were  refused  on  the  ground  that  the  General 
Convention  was  formed  for  other  purposes,  and  that  the 
precedent  would  be  bad.  In  that  very  year,  1826,  the  Eev. 
Mr.  Barlow  brouo-ht  forward  a  scheme  for  a  Church  book- 
establishment,  and  was  permitted  to  occupy  many  hours 
in  the  explanation,  and  advocacy  of  it.  The  following 
resolution  was  adopted  in  regard  to  it : 

"Besolved,  As  the  opinion  of  this  House,  that,  without 
entering  at  all  inta  the  merits  of  the  plan  noticed  in  the 
report  of  the  committee,  it  is  inexpedient  to  legislate  on 
the  subject." 

"On  another  occasion  an  effort  was  made  to  forma  Gen- 
eral Education  Society  under  the  patronage  of  the  General 
Convention.  This,  also,  after  being  considered  for  some 
time,  was  postponed,  and  never  resumed.  In  truth,  the 
only  institutions  which  have  been  brought  under  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  are,  the  General  Seminary,  and  the  Mis- 
sionary Society;  and  whether  they  give  any  encourage- 
ment for  the  trial  of  others,  all  may  judge  for  themselves. 
The  Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union  was  therefore,  as  has 
since  been  publicly  and  formally  admitted  by  itself,  a  vol- 
untary institution.  Several  attempts  were  made  at  differ- 
ent General  Conventions  to  have  it  enrolled,  and  recog- 
nized, among  the  general  institutions  of  the  Church ;  but 
they  failed  —  the  Convention  being  reminded  that  it  was 
only  a  voluntary  Society.  The  determination  of  the 
Church  not  to  embarrass  itself,  and  produce  discord,  by 


MEMOIR  OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  207 

adopting  any  such  institution,  was  further  manifested  by 
the  failure  of  an  effort  made  in  1847  by  Bishop  Henshaw, 
who  proposed  to  have  a  committee  of  both  Houses  to  pre- 
pare a  few  catechetical  books  for  the  children  of  the  Church, 
with  a  view  to  uniformity  and  harmony.  It  was  opposed 
by  Bishops  Delancey,  Whittingham,  Hopkins  and  myself. 
After  a  discussion  during  a  part  of  several  days,  the  ques- 
tion being  taken,  the  mover  of  the  resolution  was  the  only 
one  who  voted  for  it. 

"  There  was,  however,  from  the  time  of  its  formation  a 
general  disposition  to  encourage  the  Episcopal  Sunday 
School  Union  as  a  voluntary  society.  The  American  Sun- 
day School  Union,  and  the  American  Tract  Society,  were 
noble  institutions,  and  furnished  many  excellent  and  suit- 
able works  for  individuals,  families  and  Sunday  Schools ; 
but  they  could  not  supply  certain  books  setting  forth  the 
peculiarities  of  the  different  denominations,  in  connection 
with  the  Gospel.  It  was  therefore  desirable  that  Episco- 
palians, as  well  as  others,  should  have  some  organization 
for  supplying  such.  It  was  distinctly  understood  at  the 
establishment  of  ours  in  1826,  that  it  should  assume  no 
party  character,  but  be  conducted  on  liberal,  comprehen- 
sive principles,  setting  forth  only  those  common  truths 
about  which  Episcopalians  are  agreed — which  platform  has 
been  repeatedly  declared  since  then.  Accordingly,  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia,  at  the  first  Convention  after  its-organ- 
ization, earnestly  recommended  it  to  the  patronage  of  the 
Episcopalians  of  the  State.  A  few  months  only,  however, 
had  elapsed,  when  some  of  its  publications  contained  sen- 
timents very  different  from  what  was  expected,  and  which 
were  calculated  to  dissatisfy  many  of  us.  I  immediately 
wrote  to  the  chief  manager  of  it,  the  present  Bishop  of 
Maryland,  making  complaints.  In  reply,  I  was  assured 
that  the  greatest  pains  should  be  taken  in  the  future  to 
avoid  giving  offence  ;  that  the  book  most  objected  to  should 
be  withdrawn  from  circulation ;  and  that  henceforth  books 


208  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

favoring  both  parties  in  tlie  Church  should  be  published. 
I  did  not  question  the  sincerity  of  the  promise,  and  the 
intention,  but  saw  the  impracticability  of  the  plan  pro- 
posed. Thus  disappointed,  I  did  not  take  any  particular 
concern  in  the  operations  of  the  Society  after  that.  I 
only  saw  that  from  time  to  time  some  things  came  out 
which  were  criticized,  and  which  I  could  not  approve, 
though  there  were  many  good  little  books  published  for 
children,  chiefly  from  the  pens  of  pious  writers  in  En- 
gland." (Old  Churches,  pp.  375-6.) 

Such  of  the  letters  alluded  to  in  the  preceding  state- 
ment as  are  extant  and  available  are  here  inserted  as  illus- 
trative of  the  liberality,  vigilance  and  fidelity  of  their  au- 
thor. The  first  is  a  fragment,  without  date,  endorsed, 
"Extract  from  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Episcopal 
Sunday  School  Union  Society": 

"  It  would  be  uncandid  in  me,  when  writing  concerning 
the  afi'airs  of  this  institution,  not  to  express  my  fears  aris- 
ing from  the  adoption  of  one  or  two  books  which  I  per- 
ceive to  be  contained  in  the  syptem  of  instruction,  that  it 
may  not  produce  the  desired  effect  of  a  general  union 
through  the  Church.  The  books  alluded  to  are  the  Balti- 
more edition  of  Mrs.  Sherwood's  Stories,  and  Bishop  Ho- 
bart's  Catechism.  You  are  well  aware  of  the  controversy 
which  has  taken  place  in  relation  to  the  former,  and  how 
impracticable  it  will  be  to  get  those  who  are  opposed  to 
the  altered  edition  to  adopt  it.  Was  it  expedient,  there- 
fore, to  introduce  this  into  a  system  which,  it  was  hoped, 
would  unite  the  Church  in  the  greatest  possible  degree  of 
harmony?  Excellent  as  the  work  is,  would  it  not  have 
been  better  to  omit  it  altogether,  than  to  have  produced 
collision  at  the  very  outset  ?  I  have  never  seen  the  altered 
edition,  but  if  I  understand  the  changes  aright,  they  make 
the  work  express  sentiments  on  the  subject  of  baptism, 
different  from  those  of  a  large  and  respectable  portion  of 
the  Episcopal  clergy  of  England  and  America.     I,  for  one, 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  209 

therefore,  could  not  adopt  or  recommend  it,  especially 
when  the  author's  own  unaltered  work  is  to  be  had.  As 
to  the  other,  Bishop  Hobart's  Catechism,  I  cannot  speak 
so  certainly,  but  I  think  I  saw  it  once,  and  that  one  of  the 
answers  put  into  the  mouth  of  the  child  was  a  passage  of 
Ignatius  or  Jerome  —  "He  that  does  anything  without  the 
privity  of  the  Bishop,  serves  the  devil."  However  prop- 
erly such  a  sentiment  might  be  used  in  an  argument  con- 
cerning the  testimony  of  the  Fathers,  I  cannot  think  it 
suitable  for  a  child's  constant  use.  If  books  of  this  de- 
scription must  be  used  in  the  schools  belonging  to  the 
Union,  if  the  children  must  be  trained  in  what  are  called 
High  Church  principles,  do  you  not  perceive  at  once  how 
you  separate  from  your  Society  all  those  who  cannot  agree 
with  you  on  such  points?  Unanimous  as  we  were  in  the 
Yirginia  Convention  in  recommending  this  institution,  I 
feel  confident  that  we  should  have  been  almost  as  unani- 
mous in  rejecting  the  proposition,  if  it  had  been  understood, 
that  we  were  thereby  to  bind  ourselves  to  teach  our  chil- 
dren principles  which  we  disapproved.  I  feel  confident 
that  distrust  is  at  once  created,  and  that  many  are  now 
crying,  "We  know  not  what  is  yet  to  come !  "  The  insti- 
tution cannot  be  generally  received  unless  it  be  conducted 
in  that  mild  catholic  spirit  which  has  ever  breathed  through 
the  Church,  and  made  it  avoid  as  much  as  possible  dictat- 
ing on  points  wherein  the  members  difi'ered.  If  those  who 
have  the  management  of  the  institution  cannot  conscien- 
tiously conduct  it  otherwise,  then  there  is  no  help;  but 
they  cannot  expect  the  cordial  co-operation  of  those  who 
differ  from  them." 

In  his  reply,  the  Secretary  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Sunday  School  Society  courteously  expresses  the  "  great 
pleasure"  afforded  "him  by  the  spirit  of  candor  and  for- 
bearance which  pervades"  the  communication,  and  in  a 
letter  which  covers  six  and  a-half  pages,  endeavors  in  a 
very  respectful  manner  to  remove  the  objections  urged  : 


210  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

1.  Bishop  Kemp's  edition  of  Mrs.  Sherwood's  book  is 
not  contained  in  any  part  of  the  vSystem  of  Instruction. 
It  is  merely  on  a  blank  page  of  the  printed  copy  of  the 
System,  in  a  list  of  books  recommended  for  ^^premium  library 
books."  "It  is  merely  a  recommendation  which  every  one 
is  at  liberty  to  receive,  or  reject,  without  interfering  in  the 
least  with  his  adherence  to  our  other  recommendations." 

2.  The  alterations,  in  a  vast  majority  of  instances,  im- 
prove the  work  by  substituting  plain  English  words  for 
Indian  terms,  which  need  the  use  of  a  glossary  to  render 
them  intelligible." 

3.  In  a  number  of  instances  Mrs.  Sherwood  has  very 
strong  expressions  respecting  the  corruption  of  human  na- 
ture ;  for  which,  in  every  instance.  Bishop  Kemp  substi- 
tutes the  language  of  the  Articles,  or  Liturgy  of  our  Church 
itself 

4.  Eespecting  baptism,  the  alterations  (with  one  excep- 
tion) are  not  (in  th'e  opinion  of  the  Secretary)  "improve- 
ments," but  he  sees  not  "how  they  can  be  objected  to,  by 
any  person  who  conscientiously  uses  the  catechism  of  our 
Church." 

5.  What  purports  to  be  "the  entire  difference"  between 
Mrs.  Sherwood's  book,  and  the  edition  as  altered  by  Bishop 
Kemp,  on  the  subject  of  baptism,  is  exhibited  in  parallel 
columns. 

6.  A  correction  of  misapprehension  with  regard  to  the 
testimony  of  St.  Ignatius,  as  quoted  in  Bishop  Hobart's 
Catechism — with  the  statement  of  a  precedent  for  the  in- 
troduction of  "patristical  testimony  in  a  catechism  design- 
ed for  the  higher  classes  in  our  schools,"  furnished  in  a 
Brief  Explanation  of  the  Church  Catechism,  by  the  Eev. 
Basil  Wood,  "an  English  clergyman,  who  is  deservedly  in 
high  estimation  among  those  of  our  brethren  who  would 
be  most  disposed  to  object  to  Bishop  Hobart's  Catechism." 

The  reply  closes  with  an  earnest  disavowal  of  any  wish 
or  intention,  "either  to  force  or  entice  others  to  dereliction 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  211 

of  any  of  their  principles,  or  even  prejudices" — a  distinct 
assurance  that  the  Society  shall  be  managed  so  that  nei- 
ther "set  of  opinions"  "can  have  reason  to  complain" — 
an  expression  of  hearty  thankg  "for  the  candor  with 
which"  the  Secretary  had  been  made  acquainted  with  the 
objections  alleged;  thereby  affording  "an  opportunity  of 
removing  them,  or  taking  warning  from  them,  as  the  case 
may  be" — and  a  solicitation  of  a  portion  "of  his  corres- 
pondent's influence  in  favor  of  the  infant  and  important 
institution." 

Both  the  reply,  and  the  communication  which  called  it 
forth,  are  eminently  characterized  by  Christian  frankness 
and  courtesy.  And  the  same  excellent  spirit,  worthy  of 
all  imitation,  pervades  the  rest  of  the  correspondence. 

The  Secretary  states  in  his  reply,  that  in  the  edition  of 
Mrs.  Sherwood's  book  recommended  by  the  system,  the 
verbal  changes  amounted  to  the  rejection  "of  nearly  two 
thousand  barbarous  and  unintelligible  words  from  the  text 
of  a  work  designed  for  children,"  and  this  he  regards  as 
quite  justifying  these,  and  other  alterations.  Yet,  even  if 
this  were  a  benefit,  it  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  question 
as  to  the  morality  of  the  liberty  taken  in  making  the 
changes.  Besides,  the  author  may  with  design,  and  good 
reason,  have  retained  what  others  have  assumed  to  displace. 
Sh-e  may  have  justly  concluded,  that  the  words  which  the 
Secretary  repudiates  as  "barbarous  and  unintelligible," are 
not  capable  of  being  substituted  by  English  words  convey- 
ing the  same  idea,  and  could  only  be  translated  by  a  peri- 
phrasis, which  would  hinder  the  narrative  and  mar  the 
effect,  and  which  had  better  appear  (if  at  all),  in  the  ap- 
proved form  of  a  glossary.  She  may  further  have  suppos- 
ed, that  those  very  oriental  words  would  invite  the  reader 
to  such  inquiry,  as  would  lead  to  useful  information  rela- 
tive to  the  peculiar  customs  of  the  country. 

Any  person  with  less  reverence  than  the  Secretary  for 
the  English  version  of  the  Bible  might,  with  his  views, 


212  MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP   MEADE. 

pronounce  many  of  its  words  barbarous  and  unintelligible, 
and  publish  a  new  edition  in  which  they  were  displaced  by 
vernacular  terms,  supposed  to  be  of  like  import.  The  wise 
and  learned  translators  adopted  a  different  course,  and  the 
general  Church  has  ever  since  approved  their  policy.  The 
same  judgment  has  been  rendered  in  favor  of  the  diction 
of  Mrs.  Sherwood's  stories. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  Bishop  Meade,  in  alluding  to 
Bishop  Hobart's  Catechism,  had  written,  "I  cannot  speak 
so  certainly,  but  I  think  I  saw  it  once,  and  that  one  of  the 
answers  put  in  the  mouth  of  a  child,  was  a  passage  of  Ig- 
natius or  Jerome,  'He  that  does  anything  without  "the 
privity  of  the  Bishop,  serves  the  Devil.' "  He  adds,  "  How- 
ever j)roperly  such  a  passage  might  be  used  in  an  argu- 
ment concerning  the  testimony  of  the  fathers,  I  cannot 
think  it  suitable  for  a  child's  constant  use." 

To  this  the  Secretary  replied:  ''I  trust,  sir,  it  will  be 
long  before  the  G.  P.  E.  S.  convey  their  instructions  to  the 
rising  generation  with  so  little  discrimination.  Bishop 
Hobart's  Catechism  (New  York  ed.,  1826,  p.  68;  our  own 
being  not  quite  through  the  press,  I  cannot  quote  the  page) 
says,  '  St.  Ignatius,  the  disciple  of  St.  John,  and  all  the  suc- 
ceeding 'fathers,  bear  decided  testimony  to  the  superior 
power  of  Bisho]3S.  Qiies.  State  the  testimony  of  Ignatius. 
Ans.  Ignatius  says.  Let  no  man  do  anything,  of  what  be- 
longs to  the  Church,  without  the  Bishop.'  This  is  all  the 
patristic^l  testimony  given  in  that  Catechism.  I  do  not 
believe  that  you  will  entertain  any  objection  to  its  being 
contained  in  a  catechism  designed  for  the  higher  classes  in 
our  schools." 

The  Bishop  replies :  "  It  is  equally  a  pleasure,  and  a  duty, 
to  acknowledge  the  mistake  under  which  I  labored  in  rela- 
tion to  a  passage  in  Bishop  Hobart's  Catechism.  I  had 
confounded  the  substance  of  Ignatius'  testimony,  with  the 
offensive  words  in  which  it  was  expressed.  It  has  been 
fifteen  years  since  I  saw  it,  as  well  as  I  can  recollect.     I 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  213 

will  endeavor  to  examine  it  without  prejudice  when  I  see 
it  again." 

If  the  Bishop  ever  examined  it,  he  found  both  express- 
ions within  a  few  lines  of  each  other  in  the  Epistle  of  Ig- 
natius to  the  Smyrneans.  The  first,  as  translated  by  Arch- 
bishop Wake,  reads: 

"Let  no  man  do  anything  of  what  belongs  to  the  Church, 
without  the  Bishop."  (§8.) 

The  second  occurs  in  the  next  section : 

*'But  he  that  does  anything  without  his  (the  Bishop's) 
knowledge,  ministers  unto  the  devil." 

The  first,  it  is  presumed,  furnished  the  quotation  in 
Bishop  Hobart's  Catechism,  and  was,  after  not  being  seen 
for  fifteen  years,  confounded  in  Bishop  Meade's  recollec- 
tion with  its  offensive  counterpart. 

Bishop  Meade  related  his  impressions  as  a  matter  about 
which  he  was  not  "certain,"  and  it  was  not  very  remarka- 
ble that  he  should,  after  so  long  an  interval,  have  mistaken 
a  sentence  which,  in  its  unqualified  form,  is  very  extrava- 
gant, for  another  of  like  import,  in  more  offensive  words. 

Millwood,  Sept.  20,  1827. 
Eev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

I  take  the  first  moment  of  leisure  from  more  indispensable  duties 
to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  last  communication,  and  make  a 
few  remarks  upon  some  parts  of  it.  It  is  equally  a  pleasure,  and  a 
duty,  to  acknowledge  the  mistake  under  which  I  have  labored  in  rela- 
tion to  a  passage  in  Bishop  Hobart's  Catechism.  I  had  confounded 
the  substance  of  Ignatius'  testimony,  with  the  offensive  words  in  which 
it  was  expressed.  It  has  been  fifteen  years  since  I  saw  it,  as 
well  as  I  can  recollect.  I  will  endeavor  to  examine  it  without  preju- 
dice when  I  see  it  again.  When  I  have  an  opportunity,  I  will,  in 
like  manner,  endeavor  to  estimate  the  comparative  merit  of  the  Bal- 
timore edition  of  Mrs.  Sherwood's  stories.  I  fear,  however,  that  no- 
thing can  alter  my  opinion  as  to  the  inexpediency  of  recommending 
that  edition  of  the  work. 

In  the  conclusion  of  your  letter,  you  say  in  very  strong  terms,  that 
it  is  the  fixed  determination  of  all  concerned  with  the  management  of 
the  institution,  to  conduct  it  on  the  most  catholic,  and  comprehensive 


214  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

principles,  that  you  wish  neither  to  force,  or  entice  any  persons  into 
a  dereliction  of  their  peculiar  views  or  principles,  that,  "though  you 
may  sometimes  sanction  works  which  all  the  brethren  may  not  cor- 
dially approve,"  yet  if  you  "do  this  in  favor  of  one  set  of  opinions, 
it  will  also  be  done  in  favor  of  another,  so  that  both  can  be  supplied 
and  suited,  and  neither  have  reason  to  complain." 

Now,  my  dear  sir,  I  cannot  but  think  the  committee  have  lost  the 
first  and  fairest  opportunity  of  exhibiting  this  determination  before 
the  public,  when  they  chose  the  altered    edition  of  Mrs.  Sherwood's 
stories,  as  the  one  to  be  exclusively  recommended.      This  book,  in 
its  original,  expressed  one  set  of  opinions — in  its  altered  state  ano- 
ther set  of  opinions,  each  of  which  are  adopted  by  different  members 
and  ministers  of  the  Church.     Had  nothing  been  said  about  any  edi- 
tion, or  had  it  been  positively  declared   that  either  might  be  used  at 
the  discretion  of  the  members,  it  would  have  assumed  a  very  differ- 
ent aspect.      As  it  is,  and  considering  the  angry  controversy  which 
had  existed  in  regard  to  this  work,  the  recommendation  of  the  one 
edition  was  well  calculated  to  provoke  the  jealousy  of  all  who  were 
opposed  to  it,  and  induce  them  to  regard  the  measure,  as  a  full  proof 
of  a  determination  to  permit  but  one  view  of  the  disputed  points  to 
be  seen  by  the  rising  generation.     From  the  representation  you  give 
of  the   alterations,  it  appears  that  the  most  material  relate  to  the 
much  disputed  subject  of  human  depravity,  that  the  expressions  of 
Mrs.  Sherwood  are  only  moderated,  and  made  to  resemble  the  expres- 
sions of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.     I  am  well  aware  that  there 
have  beeri,  and  still  are,  philosophers  and  divines,  and  many  private 
individuals,  whose  writings  and  opinions  on  this  subject  are  foolish 
and  wicked,  and  most  dishonorable  to  God  and  man.      I  am  aware 
of  the    impossibility  of  fixing  with  mathematical,  philosophical  or 
theological  accuracy  the  exact  degree  of  man's  depravity;    we  can- 
not measure  the  height   from  which,  or  the  abyss  into  which,  he  has 
fallen;    but  then,  when  I  consider  the  language  of  God's  Word  on 
this  subject,  the  many  and  strong  expressions  which  abound  in  Scrip- 
ture, concerning  the  sinfulness  of  man  ;    when  I  consider  how  reluc- 
tant we  are  to  admit  the  extent  of  our  corruption,  how  prone  we  are 
to  think  more  highly  of  ourselves  than  we  ought  to  think,  I  confess 
that  I   feel  bound  to  regard  with  the  utmost  jealousy,  any  softenings 
or  modifications  on  this  point.       "If  any  man  speak,  let  him  speak 
as  the  oracles  of  God."     The  only  question  with  me  is,  "  Does  Mrs. 
Sherwood  use  stronger  expressions   than  the  inspired  writers  ?"     If 
not,  I   would   not  alter  them   to    suit   the  views  of  any  persons,  or 
Churches,  in  Christendom. 


MJEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  215 

I  see  not,  however,  that  they  could  be  altered  so  as  to  speak  a 
moderated  language,  if  certain  expressions  of  our  Prayer  Book  were 
substituted  :  ior  instance,  "  there  is  no  health  in  us."  We  are  very 
far  gone  from  original  righteousness,  as  explained  by  the  words 
*'  quam  longessime,^^  which  shows  that  our  forefathers  were  anxious 
to  exhaust  the  strength  of  language  in  the  cause,  and  indeed,  which 
even  Calvinists,  except  such  as  are  lostjto  reason,  must  understand 
with  some  limitation  ;  for  none  but  such,  would  maintain  that  man 
might  not  be  more  depraved  than  he  is,  although  so  deeply,  and  uni- 
versally stained  with  sin.  I  know  not  what  the  alterations  are  on 
this  point;  but  any,  however  slight,  would  be  received  with  the  most 
fearful  suspicion,  aiid  therefore  should  not  be  presented  to  the 
Church  for  universal  acceptance.  It  is  true,  as  you  say,  they  are 
only  recommended,  we  may  adopt  the  recommendation  or  not  at 
pleasure,  but,  if  these  are  to  be  the  only  books  in  the  depositories, 
there  is  no  choice,  and  the  institution  cannot  suit  those  who  differ  in 
sentiment.  Moreover,  the  whole  institution  will  be  opposed,  as  hav- 
ing the  effect  of  disseminating  principles  believed  to  be  at  variance 
with  the  Word  of  God.  Dissatisfied  as  I  still  am  with  this  step,  I 
will  still,  with  all  the  candor  I  can  bring  to  the  examination,  care- 
fully consider  the  different  books  which  compose  the  system,  as  soon 
as  you  shall  send  them. 

I  must  beg  you  to  excuse  this  unworthy  scrawl  in  consideration  of 
the  haste  in  which  it  is  necessarily  written.  With  best  wishes  and 
prayers,  I  remain 

Your  friend  and  brother  in  the  Gospel, 

W   Meade. 

Some  six  months  later,  the  Secretary  resumed  the  cor- 
respondence, as  follows : 

New  York,  April  2,  1828. 
Eev.  and  Dear  Sir : 

Not  wishing  to  trouble  you,  or  to  trespass  upon  your  valuable  time, 
I  have  hitherto  refrained  from  answering  your  reply  to  my  commu- 
nication of  J  uly,  1827.  But  the  receipt  of  a  communication  from  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  of  Middleburg,  Vt.,  containing  remarks  of  a  nature 
very  similar  to  those  by  yourself  in  your  first  letter,  reminds  me,  that 
I  ought  to  make  acknowledgment  for  your  frank,  and  liberal  advice. 

The  Executive  Committee  have  taken  no  formal  measures  as  to 
Mrs.  Sherwood's  Stories  in  Bishop  Kemp's  edition,  but  the  book 
has  been  left  out  of  all  their  printed  lists  published  since  the  recep- 


216  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

tion  of  your  communication,  and  no  further  measures  have  been  tak- 
en for  its  circulation.  For  my  own  part,  I  am  free  to  confess  that 
after  a  careful  examination  of  both  editions,  I  cannot  think  any  of 
Bishop  Kemp's  alterations  liable  to  serious  objection  from  any  mem- 
bers of  our  Church,  and  very  many,  I  am  sure,  (those  which  substi- 
tute intelligible  expressions  for  Mrs.  Sherwood's  numerous  Indian 
words)  materially  improve  the  book,  and  will  render  it  much  more 
useful.  But,  far  be  it  from  me  (and  I  believe  the  sentiment  to  be 
that  of  every  individual  in  the  Executive  Committee)  to  force  upon 
the  acceptance,  or  even  the  notice  of  others,  what  they  may  deem  se- 
riously objectionable,  however  different  may  be  my  own  opinion.  I 
think  I  may  safely  pledge  myself  that  you  will  hear  no  more  of 
"Sherwood's  Stories  on  the  Catechism"  from  the  Sunday  School 
Union.  With  the  sentiments  you  express  concerning  the  depravity 
of  tuman  nature,  as  limited  by  yourself,  I  entirely  agree,  and  it  will, 
I  trust,  be  the  study  of  my  life  to  present  these,  and  the  other  funda- 
mental doctrines  of  the  scheme  of  redemption,  in  all  their  strength 
and  importance,  to  the  notice  of  my  fellow  sinners.  I  think  you 
will  have  discerned  that  they  are  recognized  in  the  publications  of  the 
Union  in  all  their  ej^tent,  and  with  the  prominence  which  is  so  abso- 
lutely necessary.  To  request  your  opinion  on  such  of  our  books  as 
have  been  forwarded  to  you  (those  now  publishing  will  be  sent,  as 
soon  as  out)  is  the  object  of  my  writing  now.  I  cannot  help  think- 
ing that  they  have  met  with  your  approbation,  and  it  is  in  the  pleas- 
ing hope  that  I  shall  receive  an  expression  of  it,  from  yourself,  and 
that  it  will  induce  you  to  lend  us  your  aid  in  our  important  (for  our 
sphere  of  usefulness  is  daily  extending  far  and  near)  work,  that  I 
remain  Yours,  with  the  profoundest  respect, 

W.  K.  Whittingham. 
Eev.  Dr.  Meade. 

To  this  the  following  answer  was  sent : 

Millwood,  April  18,  1828. 
Bev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Yours  of  the  2d  inst.  came  to  hand  in  due  course  of  mail.  The 
Sunday  School  books  of  which  you  asked  my  opinion  had  been  re- 
ceived not  very  long  before,  having  been  delayed  on  the  road.  Since  the 
arrival  of  your  letter  I  have  given  some  time  and  attention  to  those 
which  seemed  to  require  it.  Scougal's  Life  of  God  in  the  Soul  of 
Man  needed  no  examination.  It  was  one  of  the  first  religious  books 
I  read  after  religion  became  a  principal  consideration  with  me,  and 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  217 

I  rejoice  much  that  it  is  set  forth  by  a  Society  of  our  Church.  A 
more  accurate,  and  at  the  same  time  warm  exhibition  of  the  religion 
of  the  heart,  is  not  to  be  found.  A  glance  at  all  the  other  books  ex- 
cept the  Catechisms,  was  sufficient  to  assure  me  that  they  must  be 
good.  The  Catechisms  alone  were  the  subjects  of  more  careful  peru- 
sal.    On  these  I  would  offer  a  few  criticisms. 

As  I  am  about  to  make  some  objections  to  them,  I  feel  it  but  just- 
ice to  the  authors  and  promoters  of  them  to  make  some  remarks  on 
the  difficulty  of  such  compositions.  It  was  said  by  an  admirer  of 
Dr.  Watts  that,  much  as  he  esteemed  all  his  writings,  there  \vas  none 
he  wondered  at  so  much  as  his  "  Divine  Songs  for  Children,"  on  ac- 
count of  the  great  difficulty  of  writing  for  children.  I  have  been  all 
my  life  reading  everything  of  the  kind  that  I  could  meet  with,  and 
have  felt  very  sensibly  the  truth  of  the  above  remark.  "When  Mrs. 
Sherwood's  Stories  appeared,  I  pronounced  them  worth  all  the  other 
explanatory  catechisms  in  the  world  beside  Children  require  to  be 
interested.  They  are  interested  by  the  Bible  because  of  the  affecting 
narratives,  striking  parables,  beautiful  poetry,  and  impassioned  elo- 
quence contained  in  it.  These  charms  cannot  be  introduced  into  cat- 
echisms. They  must  ever  be  comparatively  dull,  and  a  mere  exercise 
of  memory.  The  experience  of  parents,  pastors  and  teachers,  I  am 
sure,  will  testify  to  this.  I  have  long  since  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  much  will  never  be  done  toward  the  pious  education  of  youth  by 
catechisms,  especially  long  ones,  which  weary  and  disgust.  Hymns 
and  well-chosen  Scriptures,  and  interesting  illustrations  of  piety,  are 
the  great  instruments  for  turning  the  thoughts  and  feelings  of  the 
young  into  a  religious  channel,  and  leading  their  souls  to  God.  The 
remark  which  I  have  always  made  on  the  catechisms  which  have 
come  under  my  notice,  is,  I  think,  true  of  those  which  have  been 
issued  from  the  Episcopal  Society.  I  think  they  attempt  to  explai  i 
things  which  need  no  explanation,  or  which  one  remark  from  the 
teacher  would  do,  so  as  not  to  require  anything  further.  I  wish  you 
would  read  over  the  2nd  Catechism,  or  only  the  first  two  or  three 
pages,  and  see  if  the  explanations  are  anything  more  than  the  Cate- 
chism itself,  and  therefore  a  mere  burthen  on  the  memory. 

As  to  all  the  Catechisms,  it  appears  to  me  that  they  attempt  and  in- 
culcate some  things  comparatively  unimportant,  and  not  likely  to  in- 
terest. The  larger  catechism  is  swollen  to  a  formidable  size  in  this 
way.  and  will,  I  fear,  be  a  terror  to  those  young  minds  which  we 
would  lead  into  the  "ways  of  pleasantness"  and  "paths  of  peace." 
Upon  the  whole,  there  appears  to  me  to  be  an  inherent  difficulty  in  the 
10 


216  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

tion  of  your  communication,  and  no  further  measures  have  been  tak- 
en for  its  circulation.  For  my  own  part,  I  am  free  to  confess  that 
after  a  careful  examination  of  both  editions,  I  cannot  think  any  of 
Bishop  Kemp's  alterations  liable  to  serious  objection  from  any  mem- 
bers of  our  Church,  and  very  many,  I  am  sure,  (those  which  substi- 
tute intelligible  expressions  for  Mrs.  Sherwood's  numerous  Indian 
words)  materially  improve  the  book,  and  will  render  it  much  more 
useful.  But,  far  be  it  from  me  (and  I  believe  the  sentiment  to  be 
that  of  every  individual  in  the  Executive  Committee)  to  force  upon 
the  acceptance,  or  even  the  notice  of  others,  what  they  may  deem  se- 
riously objectionable,  however  different  may  be  my  own  opinion.  I 
think  I  may  safely  pledge  myself  that  you  will  hear  no  more  of 
"Sherwood's  Stories  on  the  Catechism"  from  the  Sunday  School 
Union.  With  the  sentiments  you  express  concerning  the  depravity 
of  human  nature,  as  limited  by  yourself,  I  entirely  agree,  and  it  will, 
I  trust,  be  the  study  of  my  life  to  present  these,  and  the  other  funda- 
mental doctrines  of  the  scheme  of  redemption,  in  all  their  strength 
and  importance,  to  the  notice  of  my  fellow  sinners.  I  think  you 
will  have  discerned  that  they  are  recognized  in  the  publications  of  the 
Union  in  all  their  extent,  and  with  the  prominence  which  is  so  abso- 
lutely necessary.  To  request  your  opinion  on  such  of  our  books  as 
have  been  forwarded  to  you  (those  now  publishing  will  be  sent,  as 
soon  as  out)  is  the  object  of  my  writing  now.  I  cannot  help  think- 
ing that  they  have  met  with  your  approbation,  and  it  is  in  the  pleas- 
ing hope  that  I  shall  receive  an  expression  of  it,  from  yourself,  and 
that  it  will  induce  you  to  lend  us  your  aid  in  our  important  (for  our 
sphere  of  usefulness  is  daily  extending  far  and  near)  work,  that  I 
remain  Yours,  with  the  profoundest  respect, 

W.  K.  Whittingham. 
Rev.  Dr.  Meade. 

To  this  the  following  answer  was  sent : 

Millwood,  April  18,  1828. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Yours  of  the  2d  inst.  came  to  hand  in  due  course  of  mail.  The 
Sunday  School  books  of  which  you  asked  my  opinion  had  been  re- 
ceived not  very  long  before,  having  been  delayed  on  the  road.  Since  the 
arrival  of  your  letter  I  have  given  some  time  and  attention  to  those 
which  seemed  to  require  it.  Scougal's  Life  of  God  in  the  Soul  of 
Man  needed  no  examination.  It  was  one  of  the  first  religious  books 
I  read  after  religion  became  a  principal  consideration  with  me,  and 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  217 

I  rejoice  much  that  it  is  set  forth  by  a  Society  of  our  Church.  A 
more  accurate,  and  at  the  same  time  warm  exhibition  of  the  religion 
of  the  heart,  is  not  to  be  found.  A  glance  at  all  the  other  books  ex- 
cept the  Catechisms,  was  sufficient  to  assure  me  that  they  must  be 
good.  The  Catechisms  alone  were  the  subjects  of  more  careful  peru- 
sal.    On  these  I  would  offer  a  few  criticisms. 

As  I  am  about  to  make  some  objections  to  them,  I  feel  it  but  just- 
ice to  the  authors  and  promoters  of  them  to  make  some  remarks  on 
the  difficulty  of  such  compositions.  It  was  said  by  an  admirer  of 
Dr.  Watts  that,  much  as  he  esteemed  all  his  writings,  there  was  none 
he  wondered  at  so  much  as  his  "  Divine  Songs  for  Children,"  on  ac- 
count of  the  great  difficulty  of  writing  for  children.  I  have  been  all 
my  life  reading  everything  of  the  kind  that  I  could  meet  with,  and 
have  felt  very  sensibly  the  truth  of  the  above  remark.  When  Mrs. 
Sherwood's  Stories  appeared,  I  pronounced  them  worth  all  the  other 
explanatory  catechisms  in  the  world  beside  Children  require  to  be 
interested.  They  are  interested  by  the  Bible  because  of  the  affecting 
narratives,  striking  parables^  beautiful  poetry,  and  impassioned  elo- 
quence contained  in  it.  These  charms  cannot  be  introduced  into  cat- 
echisms. They  must  ever  be  comparatively  dull,  and  a  mere  exercise 
of  memory.  The  experience  of  parents,  pastors  and  teachers,  I  am 
sure,  will  testify  to  this.  I  have  long  since  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  much  will  never  be  done  toward  the  pious  education  of  youth  by 
catechisms,  especially  long  ones,  which  weary  and  disgust.  Hymns 
and  well-chosen  Scriptures,  and  interesting  illustrations  of  piety,  are 
the  great  instruments  for  turning  the  thoughts  and  feelings  of  the 
young  into  a  religious  channel,  and  leading  their  souls  to  God.  The 
remark  which  I  have  always  made  on  the  catechisms  which  have 
come  under  my  notice,  is,  I  think,  true  of  those  which  have  been 
issued  from  the  Episcopal  Society.  I  think  they  attempt  to  explai  i 
things  which  need  no  explanation,  or  which  one  remark  from  the 
teacher  would  do,  so  as  not  to  require  anything  further.  I  wish  you 
would  read  over  the  2nd  Catechism,  or  only  the  first  two  or  three 
pages,  and  see  if  the  explanations  are  anything  more  than  the  Cate- 
chism itself,  and  therefore  a  mere  burthen  on  the  memory. 

As  to  all  the  Catechisms,  it  appears  to  me  that  they  attempt  and  in- 
culcate some  things  comparatively  unimportant,  and  not  likely  to  in- 
terest. The  larger  catechism  is  swollen  to  a  formidable  size  in  this 
way.  and  will,  I  fear,  be  a  terror  to  those  young  minds  which  we 
would  lead  into  the  ''ways  of  pleasantness"  and  "paths  of  peace." 
Upon  the  whole,  there  appears  to  me  to  be  an  inherent  difficulty  in  the 
10 


220  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE, 

miscliief  spoken  of.  It  is  somewhat  remarkable,  and  not  a  little  to 
the  credit  of  the  Church,  that  persons  differing  on  all  these  points, 
yet  agree  in  their  approbation  of  what  the  Prayer-Book  teaches,  just 
in  the  same  way  as  all  the  contending  parties  in  Christendom  agree 
in  approving  of  the  Bible.  But  where  is  there  any  commentary  or 
explanation  of  the  Bible  that  suits  them  all  ?  As  soon  as  explana- 
tions begin,  they  must  be  multiplied  far  beyond  the  number  of  sects 
in  order  to  satisfy  all.  So  it  is  with  our  Catechism  and  Prayer-Book, 
at  least  with  some  parts  of  them.  All  agree  to  take  them  as  they 
are,  and  think  that  the  passages  which  contain  the  disputed  points, 
either  favor  their  own  views,  or  admit  of  a  double  signification  ;  but 
the  moment  it  is  attempted  to  explain  them,  so  as  to  favor  one  view 
rather  than  another,  dissension   arises,  and  we  split  into  parties. 

I  do  not  therefore  see  any  other  plan  of  proceeding,  than  to  let  the 
Catechism  remain  as  it  is,  and  serve  as  a  text  for  each  individual 
minister  to  expatiate  upon  before  his  little  flock.  As  to  the  difficult 
and  disputed  points,  he  must  say  what  he  believes,  or  nothing  at  all 
As  to  the  other  parts,  if  he  takes  the  pains  which  he  should,  he  can 
make  them  plainer  and  more  interesting  than  any  catechism,  because 
he  can  enlarge  upori  them,  and  illustrate  them  by  anecdotes  and  Scrip- 
ture quotations.  This  was  plainly  the  design  of  the  Catechism,  as 
the  Canons  in  the  English  Church  and  in  our  own  Church  show,  for 
they  direct  the  minister  to  instruct  the  children  in  it  before  the  con- 
gregation —  a  plan  which  I  have  pursued  for  many  years,  endeavoring 
to  interest  both  parents  and  children,  either  by  explanations  of  my 
own,  or  by  reading  some  affecting  pieces  from  the  publications  of  the 
day,  which  enforce  the  doctrines  and  duties  taught  in  the  Catechism. 
If  I  am  told  that  this  view  of  the  subject  narrows  the  ground  of  any 
Episcopal  Society,  by  excluding  things  which  are  peculiar  to  our 
Church,  I  reply  that  there  is  ground  enough  left  for  genius  and  piety 
to  exercisp  itself  upon,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church.  Interesting 
tracts  or  stories,  it  seems  to  me,  might  be  written  on  the  subject  of 
baptism,  confirmation,  the  Lord's  fcupper,  on  the  excellency  and 
apostolic  origin  of  the  three  orders  in  the  Church,  on  the  daily  serv- 
ice of  the  Church,  and  even  on  the  catechism,  without  agitating  their 
inflammable  materials,  which  are  deep  hidden  in  a  great  measure  from 
view.  It  appears  to  me,  there  never  was  a  time  when  more,  and  im- 
portant considerations  required  us  to  let  these  matters  alone,  and  at- 
tend to  things  which  make  for  peace  among  ourselves,  and  are  neces- 
sary to  recommend  our  Church,  to  the  esteem  of  the  more  wise,  and 
pious,  of  our  own  and  other  communions.  If  we  continue  to  bite  and 
devour  one  another,  we  may  expect  to  be  consumed  one  of  another. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  221 

I  am  not  much  given  to  nice  speculations  in  doctrines  whicli  have 
always  been  discussed  in  the  Christian  world,  having  neither  heart 
nor  head  for  them,  but  in  one  thing  I  am  immoveably  fixed,  to  do  my 
utmost  to  resist,  and  hold  up  to  public  odium,  anything  like  intoler- 
ance towards  opinions  and  practices  (although  I  may  neither  hold  the 
one  nor  observe  the  other,)  which  pious  and  sensible  men  have  be- 
lieved to  be  promotive  of  true  religion.  From  such  a  spirit  as  this,  I 
think  our  Church,  is  in  more  danger  than  from  anything  else  which  is 
supposed  to  threaten  her  peace  and  unity.  I  doubt  not,  that  there  are 
in  both  of  the  parties  which  now  divide  the  Church,  a  number  of  pious 
and  discreet  men,  lovers  of  peace,  both  clergy  and  laity,  who  feel  and 
think  alike  on  this  subject,  and  whose  influence,  if  felt  as  it  deserves, 
will  yet  make  us  to  dwell  together  in  unity. 

I  have  thus  freely,  my  dear  sir,  expressed  to  you,  as  you  requested, 
my  opinions  as  to  the  merits  of  the  compositions  which  the  agent 
was  so  good  as  to  send  for  my  examination.  So  far  as  I  can  consci- 
entiously promote  the  circulation  of  any  books  issued  from  a  society 
of  our  Church,  I  hold  it  a  duty,  and  shall  feel  it  a  pleasure,  so  to  do. 
But  I  am  constrained  to  say,  that  no  society  can  receive  general  sup- 
port, which  ventures  upon  these  topics,  which  are  so  disputed  among 
us.  If  I  have  taken  any  wrong  views  of  the  books  in  question,  I 
shall  be  glad  to  have  them  corrected,  and  will  candidly  acknowledge 
my  error.  I  thank  you  for  the  promise  contained  in  your  letter,  of 
transmitting  the  other  publications  as  soon  as  they  are  issued.  In 
rather  more  than  two  weeks  from  this  time,  I  shall  set  out  for  our 
State  Convention,  and  do  not  expect  to  return  home  before  the 
month  of  August,  as  I  have  undertaken  to  spend  some  months  in 
making  collections  for  our  Seminary,  in  the  lower  part  of  Virginia. 
A  letter,  written  immediately,  will  reach  me  before  my  departure,  or, 
at  a  later  period,  might  be  addressed  to  me  at  Petersburg,  where  I 
shall  be  from  the  15th  to  the  20th  of  May. 

With  best  wishes  and  prayers  for  your  usefulness  and  happiness 
I  remain  your  friend  and  brother, 

W.  Meade. 

P.  S. — On  the  20th  page  of  the  second  Catechism,  I  find  an  expla- 
nation of  the  term  "generally  necessary  to  salvation"  different 
from  that  which  I  have  been  accustomed  in  my  own  mind  to  attach 
to  it.  I  have  always  supposed  that  "generally"  was  a  qualifying 
phrase,  in  opposition  to  the  doctrine  that  bapti-<m  was  absolutely  es- 
sential to  salvation.  As  the  explanation  now  stands  in  this  Cate- 
chism, it  appears  to  me  that  the  Church  is  made  to  speak  a  language 


222  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

and  declare  a  doctrine,  which,  I  think,  must  be  disowned  by  all  its 
members  and  ministers.  I  should  like  to  have  some  explanation  of 
this. 

Thus  terminated  a  correspondence  conducted  in  the  best 
spirit,  and  with  a  result,  which  authorized  the  hope  that 
the  Society  would  be  carefully  managed,  in  accordance  with 
the  impartial  policy  to  which  it  was  pledged.  Its  direction, 
however,  passed  into  other  hands,  and,  with  the  introduc- 
tion of  the  novelties  which  began  seriously  to  disturb  the 
Church,  it  was  charged  with  favoring  views  which  were 
regarded  by  many  as  essentially  Romish.  The  dissatisfac- 
tion became  so  extensive  and  decided,  that,  in  1846,  when 
a  number  of  Bishops  were  assembled  in  New  York  at  a 
meeting  of  the  General  Missionary  Society,  a  meeting  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  Sunday  School  Union  was  call- 
ed by  special  request.  The  complaints  alluded  to  were  fully 
stated,  and  an  order  was  passed,  that  a  set  of  all  the  books  of 
the  society,  should  be  sent  to  each  Bishop  for  examination. 
In  those  sent  to  Bishop  Meade  he  found  so  much  to  object  to 
that,  as  he  says,  "I  felt  it  my  duty  to  spread  the  same  be- 
fore the  Church.  This  was  done  in  an  octavo  pamphlet  of 
more  than  sixty  pages.  For  so  doing,  I  received  much  se- 
vere censure  from  the  press,  and  elsewhere.  My  charges 
were  pronounced  to  be  false.  The  books  were  declared  to 
be  worthy  of  all  praise,  and  to  have  no  unsound  doctrine 
in  them.  The  Church  was  solemnly  and  repeatedly  called 
on  to  sustain  it  just  as  it  was."  To  repel  those  assaults, 
correct  the  misrepresentations  by  which  they  were  accom- 
panied, and  vindicate  his  course,  he  addressed  the  follow- 
ing letter  to  the  Board  of  Managers  and  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  Sunday  School  Union : 

Millwood,  Sept.  11,  1851. 
Brethren : 

I  have  received,  and  this  day  read,  the  last  report  of  the  institution  under 
your  care,  and  which  is  especially  directed  to  be  sent  to  each  Bishop,  Stand- 
ing Committee,  and  Diocesan  Convention,  in  order  to  receive  their  early 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  223 

and  favorable  attention.  In  that  report  I  find  myself  not  only  alluded  to 
in  a  way  not  to  be  misunderstood,  but  twice  mentioned  by  name  in  connec- 
tion with  quotations  from  letter  or  letters,  written  in  the  year  1827,  on  the 
subject  of  the  union.  The  object  of  adducing  those  passages  in  which,  at 
that  early  period,  I  approve  the  object  of  the  Society,  must  be  manifest  to 
those  who  are  aware  of  the  position  I  have  taken  in  regard  to  it,  of  late 
years,  viz. :  to  fix  the  imputation  of  inconsistency,  or  contradiction  upon 
me.  As  not  merely  the  Executive  Committee,  but  those  of  ray  brethren  in 
the  Episcopate  who  were  present,  united  in  approving  and  sending  forth 
this  report,  I  must  beg  leave  to  offer  a  brief  history  of  my  conduct  in  rela- 
tion to  the  institution. 

Although  I  took  no  part  in  its  formation,  yet,  when  adopted,  I  deter- 
mined to  give  it  a  fair  trial,  and  therefore,  at  the  approaching  Diocesan  Con- 
vention of  Virginia,  united  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  "Wilmer  in  supporting  it  in 
opposition  to  the  doubts  and  fears  of  some  of  its  members,  which  were  ex- 
pressed on  the  occasion.  It  was  at  this  time  I  wrote  the  favorable  senti- 
ment quoted  in  the  Report.  I  must,  however,  add  that  my  own  fears  were 
soon  awakened,  by  the  appearance  of  some  book,  in  which  the  author's 
views  of  regeneration  were  either  suppressed  or  changed,  so  as  to  dissatisfy 
myself,  and  others  in  the  Church  with  whom  I  agreed.  I  at  once  wrote  to 
the  person  having  then  the  chief  management  of  the  Society,  complaining 
that  its  declared  principle  had  been  violated.  A  most  friendly  answer  was 
received,  assuring  me  that  such  was  not  intended,  and  that  great  care 
should  be  taken  to  avoid  it  in  future.  From  that  time  forward  I  paid  little 
attention  to  the  operation  of  the  Union,  neither  opposing  or  promoting  it, 
until  my  attention  was  called,  some  few  years  since,  by  one  or  two  of  my 
brother  Bishops,  at  a  meeting  in  New  York,  to  some  of  its  publications 
which  seemed  to  savor  of  the  false  doctrines  and  practices,  which  Tractari- 
ans,  in  England,  and  America,  were  seeking  to  introduce  into  our  Church. 
A  meeting  of  some  of  the  Bishops,  with  members  of  the  Executive  Commit- 
tee was  held  on  the  subject,  and  the  result  was,  that  a  copy  of  all  the  pub- 
lications of  the  Society  was  ordered  to  be  sent  to  each  Bishop,  to  be  exam- 
ined by  him.  I  at  once  entered  upon  such  examination,  and  soon  discov- 
ered not  only  that  there  were  many  and  serious  errors  in  them,  but  that  a 
gradual  change  had  been  for  some  years  taking  place  in  the  character  of 
the  books,  and  that  up  to  that  time,  they  were  becoming  more  and  more 
assimilated,  in  language  and  doctrine,  to  the  writings  of  the  Tractarians. 
So  numerous  were  those  objectionable  passages,  so  serious  the  errors,  so 
widely  circulated  were  the  books  through  the  Church,  and,  above  all,  so 
little  had  they  been  noticed,  that  I  felt  myself  bound,  not  to  deliver  a  cau- 
tion to  the  Executive  Committee  in  a  private  letter,  but  to  address  the 
whole  Church  in  two  printed  ones,  warning  it  of  the  danger  to  which  it  was 
exposed.     That  a  private  letter  would  have  been  of  no  avail,  is  evident 


224  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

from  the  fact,  that  the  managers  of  the  Society  have  repeatedly  published 
to  the  \vorld,  a  denial  of  any  deviation  from  the  principles  of  its  organiza- 
tion and  of  the  Church,  and  challenged  proof  of  the  reverse.  I  refer  my 
brethren  to  my  two  printed  letters  for  the  decision  of  that  question. 

I  have  written  the  above,  in  order  briefly  to  exhibit  the  consistency  of  my 
course,  from  the  first  establishment  of  the  Sunday  School  Union,  to  the  pres- 
ent time.     As  a  minister  and  Bishop  of  the  Church,  1  have  desired  to  pro- 
mote, as  far  as  my  judgment  and  conscience  would  allow,  an  institution 
which,  though  not  under  the  patronage  of  the  General  Convention  (for 
that  was  pointedly  objected  to  at  the  time  of  its  formation),  was  yet  agreed 
upon,  by  some  of  the  Bishops  and  clergy,  as  an  experiment  for  supplying 
the  Church  with  a  great  desideratum.     I  will  only  add  one  remark  in  re- 
lation to  the  support  sought  to  be  obtained  in  behalf  of  the  Society  from 
the  names  of  White,  Hobart,  Griswold,  and  Moore.     That  they  did  assent 
to  the  Society  at  its  formation,  and  wish  it  well  afterwards,  is  doubtless 
true,  but  that  this  can  be  adduced  as  favoring  the  changes  which  took 
place  in  the  progress  of  the  Society,  is  untrue.     Their  writings  on  many 
points  bear  testimony  to  the  contrary.     Most  of  them  had  gone  to  their 
rest  before  the  objectionable  features  were  introduced  into  the  Societj^'s  pub- 
lications.    It  is  perfectly  fair  to  adduce  their  names  as  consenting  to  the 
establishment  of  the.  Society,  and  even  to  add  my  humble  one  to  the  same, 
but  unfair,  to  use  any  of  them  so  as  to  countenance  errors  which  they  did 
not  hold.     That  one  or  two  things  which  I  have  criticised  in  my  letters, 
may  have  been  held  by  one  or  two  of  those  above  mentioned,  may  be  true, 
but  that  they  can  be  adduced  as  sustaining  the  Society  as  to  the  others,  is 

untrue. 

(Signature  omitted). 

On' the  subject  matter  of  the  correspondence  it  may  be 
remarked:  First:  In  placing  the  altered  edition  of  Mrs. 
Sherwood's  Stories  on  the  list  of  premium  books,  and  ig- 
noring altogether  the  genuine  book,  the  Society  certainly 
did  all  in  their  power  to  secure  the  circulation  and  use  of  the 
mutilated  edition,  with  its  vast  changes,  as  the  Secretary 
styles  them.  True,  it  was  only  a  recommendation,  but  what 
THOTQ  could  they  do  ?  It  certainly  gave  the  spurious  edition 
all  the  advantage  possessed  even  by  their  own  original  j^ub- 
lications,  for  these  they  do  but  commend,  not  force  upon  the 
Church.  The  only  force  supposable  in  the  case  is  the  force 
of  circumstances,  and  if  these  were  not  determined  by  the 
Society  so  as  to  favor  the  exclusive  currency  of  the  obnox- 


MEMOIR    OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  225 

ious  volnme  (which  had  ah*eady  been  the  occasion  of  sharp 
controversy  in  the  Diocese  of  Maryland),  it  would  be  dif- 
ficult to  suggest  anything,  within  the  limits  of  their  au- 
thority, which  would  be  more  eflScient  for  the  purpose.  To 
have  merely  named  the  book,  without  specifying  any  edi- 
tion, would  have  been  to  act  imj^artially,  and  this  is  pre- 
cisely what  Bishop  Meade  suggests  in  his  next  letter. 
.  Secondly :  To  alter  the  work  of  an  author  without  his 
knowledge  and  approval,  even  though  the  changes  be  in- 
considerable, and  really  contribute  to  its  improvement,  is  a 
liberty  which,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  few  Avould  justify.  The 
Secretary  of  the  Executive  Committee  very  properly  pur- 
sued a  different  course.  Alluding  in  his  letter  to  "Bishop 
Hobart's  Catechism,"  he  writes:  "AYe  have  chosen  it, 
slightly  altered,  at  our  request,  by  the  Right  Rev.  author." 
Their  own  action  in  this  case,  where  the  change  desired 
was  slight,  is  a  reliable  exponent  of  their  conviction  of 
right,  and  commits  their  judgment  in  condemnation  of  the 
liberty  taken  with  Mrs.  Sherwood's  Stories.  And  yet, 
when  they  adopted  and  recommended,  exclusively  too,  the 
work  seriously  changed,  without  any  reference  to  the  au- 
thor, they  became  virtually  implicated  in  an  offence,  which 
their  own  recorded  conduct,  in  a  similar,  but  very  much 
lighter  case,  decidedly  disallowed. 

(Evangelical  Knowledge  Society). —  The  hopeless  perver- 
sion of  the  Sunday  School  Union  to  party  purposes  was 
now  apparent.  The  only  alternative  left  to  the  friends  of 
evangelical  truth  and  primitive  order  were,  to  leave  the 
Church  to  be  flooded  by  publications  of  strong  Romish 
tendency,  or,  to  counteract  these,  by  providing  and  circu- 
lating others,  in  harmony  with  the  teachings  of  the  Reform- 
ers, and  the  doctrine  of  the  Articles  and  Homilies  The 
election  was  soon  decidedly  made.  The  important  move- 
ment, in  its  origin  and  successful  progress,  is  thus  recorded 
by  Bishop  Meade,  who  was  chosen  its  President: 

"Seeing  there  was  no  promise  or  hope  of  amendment,  a 
10* 


226  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

number  of  those  who  believed  that  better  books  and  tracts 
might  be  procured,  determined  to  form  another  voluntary 
Society,  in  which  those  who  agreed  in  sentiment,  might, 
with  more  harmony  and  efficiency,  benefit  the  Church  by 
the  press,  and  resist  that  torrent  of  evil  which  was  pour- 
ing itself  over  our  own,  and  mother  Church.  Wherefore  a 
number  of  Bishops,  clergy  and  laity,  who  met  together  at 
the  Convention  of  1847  in  New  York,  united  in  forming 
what  is  called  the  "Evangelical  Knowledge  Society."  For 
so  doing  they  have  been  stigmatized  by  many  of  the  friends 
of  the  other  Society  as  the  promoters  of  division,  schism 
and  discord,  and  as  slandering  that  Society,  whose  publica- 
tions are  still  defended  as  sound  and  useful.  God  has  nev- 
ertheless been  pleased  to  bless  our  efforts,  and  to  extend 
the  sphere  of  our  oj^erations  beyond  our  first  hopes.  Un- 
der these  circumstances,  at  the  last  General  Convention,  a 
most  unexpected  and  extraordinary  call  was  made  upon  us 
to  cease  from  our  work,  and  unite  with  the  elder  Society 
under  a  somewhat  new  organization,  which  disavowed  all 
former  claims  by  its  friends  of  being  other  than  a  volun- 
tary society,  and  made  fresh  pledges  of  the  avoidance  of 
all  which  could  offend  any  serious  and  pious  Episcopalian. 
Had  the  regular  officers  and  members  of  the  Society,  after 
due  consideration,  formally  proposed  to  those  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Knowledge  Society,  a  conference  for  the  purpose  of 
enquiring  whether  there  might  not  be  a  union  of  effort 
on  some  liberal  basis,  and,  having  agreed  on  the  same, 
called  upon  the  Church  generally  to  sustain  such  a  union, 
there  would  have  been  something  worthy  the  name  of  com- 
promise, though  I  do  not  believe  such  union  practicable  or 
likely  to  satisfy  long.  Or,  had  the  managers  of  the  elder 
Society  been  content  to  discard  such  of  their  books  as  were 
at  length  found  to  be  unworthy,  and  made,  even  on  the 
ground  of  expediency,  certain  changes  in  others,  and  re- 
solved on  the  most  comprehensive  and  conciliatory  mode 
of  action  for  the  future,  and  left  the  other  society  to  do 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP  MEADE.  227 

its  own  work  in  its  own  viiiy,  there  would  have  been  noth- 
ing to  complain  of.  All  must  have  desired  to  see  the  work 
of  reformation  go  on.  But,  instead  of  this,  as  though  it 
were  the  only  society  having  a  right  to  exist,  having  re- 
solved on  certain  changes  and  certain  promises,  and  forget- 
ful of  2)ast  failures,  it  calls  upon  all  the  clergy  and  congre- 
gations of  the  Church  to  rally  round  its  banner,  and  it  on- 
ly, under  pain  of  being  regarded  as  wanting  in  true  attach- 
ment to  the  Church,  and  devoid  of  Christian  charity.  If 
such  is  not  the  j^osition  which  the  old  society  (under  an 
altered  name)  has  assumed  toward  the  Evangelical  Know- 
ledge Society,  consisting  of  a  large  number  of  the  Bishops, 
clergy  and  laity  of  the  Church,  I  have  mistaken  its  move- 
ment. So  have  I  understood  the  language  of  its  mana- 
gers, its  committees,  and  its  active  friends,  as  spoken 
throughout  the  land.  As  to  the  probability  of  success  in 
making  it  answer  all  the  wants  of  the  whole  Church,  it  is 
not  in  place  to  discuss  the  question.  It  is  sufficient  to  say 
that  the  Evangelical  Knowledge  Society  has  seen  no  cause 
to  relinquish  its  work.  That  work  is  not  the  division  of 
the  Church  (as  has  been  falsely  charged  upon  it),  either  as 
designed,  or  as  the  natural  or  probable  consequence.  On 
the  contrary,  the  best  method  of  preventing  division,  is  to 
allow  a  reasonable  liberty  of  thought  and  action.  By  at- 
tempting hermetically  to  seal  the  minds  and  lips  of  men, 
there  may  be  a  swelling  and  an  explosion.  In  our  mother 
Church,  different  societies,  having  the  same  great  object  in 
view,  but  using  somewhat  different  means,  are  not  consid- 
ered as  interfering  with  the  unity  and  welfare  of  the  Church. 
Many  there  are,  both  among  clergy  and  laity,  who  actively 
co-operate  with  different  societies.  I  sincerely  hope  that 
both  of  our  societies  may  be  worthy  of  such  general  pa- 
tronage." (Old  Chs.,  p.  377-8). 

Error  is  generally  more  restless  under  contradiction  than 
truth.  It  could  not  have  been  expected  that  the  Evan- 
gelical Knowledge  Society  would  be  permitted  to  take  its 


228  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

defined  position,  and  attempt  the  accomplishment  of  its 
avowed  purpose,  without  encountering  decided  opposition. 
By  some  of  the  devotees  of  the  Sunday  School  Union,  it 
was  rudely  and  magisterially  assailed,  as  an  invasion  of  a 
field  which  belonged  exclusivel}^  to  that  institution.  The 
only  attack  which  moved  Bishop  Meade,  w^as  made  by  an 
unanticipated  antagonist,  and  even  this' disturbed  him,  not 
by  its  real  formidableness,  but  because  of  its  author,  with 
whom  his  personal  relations  were  always  most  friendly ; 
and  on  account  of  the  offensiveness  of  the  language  em- 
ployed. Bishop  Otey,  in  his  annual  address  to  the  Con- 
vention of  Mississippi,  then  under  his  provisional  charge, 
had  deemed  it  his  duty  to  warn  the  Diocese  against  the 
Evangelical  Knowledge  Society,  as  having  been  formed 
with  an  avoidance  of  those  modes  of  publication  which  are 
usual  in  such  cases,  and  therefore  justly  liable  to  the  stig- 
ma of  being  concocted  in  suspicious  concealment — adding 
his  testimony  against  it,  as  not  only  unnecessary  and  in- 
expedient, but  an  a'ction  inevitably  detrimental  to  the  peace 
and  unity  of  the  Church.  This  official  denunciation  im- 
pelled Bishop  Meade,  who  was  the  President  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Knowledge  Society,  to  address  the  following  letter 
to  its  Episcopal  assailant: 

Millwood,  July  22,  1848. 
My  Bear  Brother : 

On  my  recent  visitation  a  "Banner  of  the  Cross"  was  presented  to  me, 
containing  an  extract  from  your  address  to  the  Mississippi  Convention, 
which  surprised  and  grieved  me  not  a  little.  I  need  not  say  it  was  that 
which  referred  to  the  Evangelical  Knowledge  Society.  My  determination 
was  immediately  taken  to  address  you  a  brotherly  letter,  such  as  our  past 
relations  not  only  justify,  but  call  for;  but  sore  eyes,  and  a  disordered 
head,  utterly  untitted  me  for  the  task  until  the  present  moment.  When  I 
read  at  the  same  time  that  your  health  was  very  bad,  I  could  not  but  re- 
member, how,  on  a  former  occasion,  a  diseased  body  had  made  you  to  take 
gloomy  views  of  your  own  state  "with  God,  and  to  hope  that  the  same 
cause  had  influenced  your  judgment,  your  feelings,  and  your  language,  in 
regard  to  the  conduct  of  some  of  your  brethren,  in  the  matter  alluded  to. 
Whatever  be  the  cause,  you  cannot  be  surprised  that  myself  and  others 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  229 

feel  that  you  must  think  very  differently  of  us,  and  our  conduct,  from  what 
we  had  a  right  to  suppose  you  \yould  do,  from  all  our  past  intercourse, 
especially  that  of  the  last  few  years.  It  is  true  you  give  me  credit  for  in- 
telligence and  piety,  but  it  must  be  rather  of  a  doubtful  character,  when  it 
not  only  could  not  prevent  us  from  deliberately  engaging  in  so  evil  a  work, 
but  did  not  even  forbid  our  seeking  concealment  from  yourself,  and  doing 
the  work  in  secret ;  whereas,  we  should,  in  an  open  and  manly  way,  have 
proposed  it  in  general  convention. 

Such,  my  dear  brother,  is  the  construction  put  upon  your  language  by 
those  of  both  sides  of  this  question.  None  of  those  agreeing  with  you, 
having  gone  so  for  as  yourself,  in  the  charge  of  cowardly  concealed  action, 
though  indulging  in  very  abusive  language  as  to  the  motives  and  designs 
of  the  Society,  supposing  that  you  must  labor  under  some  mistake  on 
the  subject  of  concealment,  or  you  surely  could  not  have  permitted  such 
language  to  escape  you,  in  a  public  document,  I  will  mention  that  not 
only  was  the  proposition  to  form  such  a  society  the  subject  of  discussion 
in  the  papers  beforehand,  but  that  we  had  four  or  five  meetings  during 
the  Convention,  at  which  from  thirty  to  one  hundred  were  present,  with 
open  doors ;  so  that  I  never  doubted  but  that  it  was  universally  known, 
and  I  did  know  that  it  was  freely  spoken  of,  being  approved  by  some  and 
condemned  by  others,  according  to  their  different  religious  views.  You 
may  perhaps  ask  why  I  myself  did  not  invite  you  to  unite  with  us  in  a 
special  manner,  over  and  above  the  general  invitation  to  all  the  Bishops, 
given  in  our  articles  of  association.  I  will  tell  you,  candidly,  why  I  did 
not.  I  believed  that  for  certain  reasons  you  would  not  wish  to  be  for- 
ward in  the  organization  of  such  a  society,  though  you  would  be  well 
pleased  to  see  one  formed,  and  if  it  were  conducted  in  such  a  way  as  to 
meet  your  approbation,  would  promote  its  welfare.  The  same  impression 
I  formed  as  to  Bishop  Cobb,  who  had  by  letter  expressed  to  me  his  thanks  for 
my  reviews  of  the  books  of  the  Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union,  of  New 
York.  I  therefore  said  nothing  to  either  of  you,  thinking  it  best  to  wait 
your  own  decision,  after  the  subject  was  determined  on.  It  never,  how- 
ever, entered  into  my  mind  that  either  of  you  were  ignorant  of  what  I 
supposed  was  so  generally  known,  and  so  much  talked  of.  That  any 
Bishop  in  the  Church  should  condemn  the  principle  on  which  the  Society 
Wiis  based,  and  the  lawfulness  of  it,  except  Bishop  Henshaw,  I  could  not 
suppose,  after  the  full  discussion  which  tO'  k  place  on  Bishop  H's  proposi- 
tion, against  which  you  and  all  of  us  voted.  This  is  the  reason  I  did  not 
converse  with  you  ;  why  other  Bishops  who  were  present  at  our  meetings 
did  not,  I  am  not  competent  to  say. 

And  now,  as  to  your  strong  denunciation  of  our  Society,  let  me  remind 
you  of  what  I  once  heard  you  say,  and  what  I  have  heard  others  say  of 
you,  viz  :  that  you  had  never  read  one  of  the  0.\ford  Tracts,  and  of  course, 
could  express  no  opinion  about  them.     If  such  has  been  the  case  in  rela- 


230  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

tion  to  the  numerous  works,  which,  together  with  them,  and  of  the  same 
spirit  and  tendency,  have  been  been  issued  from  the  press  in  this  country  ; 
or,  if  you  have  not  given  a  full  examination  to  those  books,  whether  from 
our  Sunday  School  Union,  New  York  Tract  Society,  or  individuals  have 
published,  and  which  have  been  charged  with  false  doctrine,  let  me  ask,  are 
you  justified  in  pronouncing  such  a  judgment  on  your  brethren  who  have 
read  them,  and  feel  bound  to  adopt  some  measure  to  prevent  the  full  in- 
fluence thereof?  Surely,  my  dear  brother,  you  are  not  prepared  to  say  that 
many  of  those  sentiments,  and  views,  and  practices  which  have  of  late 
been  advocated  and  introduced  amongst  us,  are  mere  differences  of  opinion, 
which  must  not  be  opposed  ?  If  so,  I  have  greatly  mistaken  your  theolog- 
ical sentiments,  and  we  are  wide  asunder  on  some  important  points. 

But,  even  supposing  that  the  differences  of  opinion  be  not  so  great,  are 
you  prepared  to  say,  that  those  on  the  one  side  shall  have  all  liberty  granted 
them  to  organize  and  publish  them,  and  the  other  be  denied  it?  Shall 
some  in  New  York  be  allowed  to  have  a  Sunday  School  society,  and  elect 
nominal  managers  from  other  dioceses,  keeping  the  executive  of  it  in  their 
own  hands,  and  impose  itself  on  the  public  as  a  general  Church  institu- 
tion, and  set  forth  the  views  of  one  party,  and  those  differing  from  them 
be  forbidden  to  organize  in  the  same  way,  to  present  their  views  ?  Or,  if 
those  called  Evangelical  or  Low  Church  had  happened  to  form  the  first 
one,  would  he  have  denounced  the  other  for  forming  another?  You  must 
certainly  remember  that  some  years  since,  some  of  the  Bishops — the  Bishops 
of  New  Jersey  and  New  York,  (I  certainly  remember,  were  concerned,) 
formed  an  union  for  publishing  tracts  of  a  certain  kind,  to  set  forth  the 
views  of  the  Church,  calling  it  the  C liurchmari' s  Library^  and  endeavoring 
to  circulate  it  through  the  Church.  How  long  it  lasted,  and  how  far  suc- 
ceeded, I  do  not  know. 

And  now  let  me  point  you  to  the  organization  of  similar  institutions  in 
our  mother  Church  of  England.  The  Christian  Knowledge  Society  was 
formed  for  the  same  purpose,  by  those  agreeing  in  sentiment ;  the  Church 
Missionary  Society  was  formed  by  persons  holding  the  same  views  as  to 
Missions  —  both  of  them  voluntary  institutions,  always  opposed  by  some, 
and  sustained  by  others,  and  yet  doing  immense  good,  and  never  produc- 
ing schism  in  the  Church,  as  you  apprehend  from  ours.  So  far,  indeed, 
from  such  institutions  producing  schism,  I  believe  the  effort  to  repress 
them,  and  denounce  them,  is  far  more  likely  to  lead  to  separations  in  our 
Church.  Let  each  freely  set  forth  their  opinions,  by  books  and  tracts,  with- 
in the  bounds  of  that  liberty  so  freely  granted  by  our  Church,  and  we  shall 
be  much  more  likely  to  promote  truth  and  love,  than  by  an}'  attempts  to 
establish  unity  in  the  way  some  are  so  desirous  to  try. 

I  have  thus  written,  my  dear  brother,  because  I  really  think  that  when 
some  eight  or  nine  Bishops  were  ever  present  or  approved  —  that  some  of 
them  have  publicly  recommended  Diocesan  auxiliaries— -that  one,  Bishop 


MEMOIR   OF   BISnOP    MEADE.  231 

Elliot,  contributed  one  hundred  dollars  annually,  and  m3'self  am  President 
of  the  society,  and  mean  to  do  all  in  my  power  to  promote  it  —  that  your 
public  denunciation  of  it  is  not  marked  by  that  brotherly  kindness,  which 
we  had  a  right  to  expect  at  your  hands.  As  such  are  the  thoughts  of  my 
mind,  I  considered  that  the  relation  which  has  ever  existed  between  us, 
calls  for  such  an  expression  of  my  regret  and  dissatisfaction  at  the  manner 
in  which  you  have  denounced  our  proceedings. 

(In  his  handwriting,  but  without  signature). 

Bishop  Otey's  reply,  closely  written,  covers  sixteen  pa- 
ges of  letter-paper.  To  Bishop  Meade  personally  it  is 
most  respectful  and  affectionate.  Thus  he  writes:  "I  do, 
and  shall  always,  love  you  very  dearly,  and  I  hope  through 
God's  great  mercy,  in  Christ,  to  occupy  a  place  with  you 
in  Heaven,  though  I  am  sure  it  will  be  far  below  the 
height  on  which  I  expect  to  see  you  standing  in  that 
world  of  glory." 

The  general  tone  of  the  letter  is  one  of  sadness  and  dis- 
satisfaction. Of  his  address  to  the  Alississippi  Convention 
he  says,  "It  was  penned  under  the  pressure  of  incessant 
occupation,  and  during  the  intervals,  very  short,  afforded 
for  writing  during  a  hurried  visitation."  His  "mental 
state"  at  this  time,  he  describes  as  "one  of  deep  and  abas- 
ing humiliation  before  God,  under  a  sense  of  recent  and 
overwhelming  afflictions,  aud  of  deep  sorroAV  for  the  course 
which  you  (Bishop  Meade)  and  others  had  pursued."  He 
adverts  to  his  deep  mortification  on  finding  that  he  was 
not  included  in  the  invitation  to  attend  the  meetings  pre- 
liminary to  the  formation  of  the  Evangelical  Knowledge 
Society,  regarding  what  he  considered,  designed  neglect  as 
a  want  of  that  appreciation  and  confidence  to  which,  from 
previous  intimate  intercourse,  he  felt  himself  entitled. 
"Every  man,"  he  writes,  "  is  surely  at  liberty  to  choose  his 
own  associates,  and  select  the  objects  of  his  benevolence, 
and  determine  the  sphere  which  shall  bound  his  virtuous 
efforts.  And  if  we  sometimes  imagine  that  we  have  a  place 
in  the  hearts  and  affections  of  our  brethren,  and  rest  upon 
it  as  a  sort  of  staff,  or  stay  under  the  burden  of  this  weary 


232  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

world's  calamities  and  afflictions,  and  find  to  our  sorrow 
that  our  hopes  have  misled  us,  it  may  best  remind  us  of 
the  Psalmist's  bitter  experience:  ' It  is  better  to  trust  in 
the  Lord,  than  to  put  any  confidence  in  man.  It  is  better 
to  trust  in  the  Lord,  than  to  put  any  confidence  in  prin- 
ces.' " 

That  there  was  no  designed  slight  in  the  omission  of 
which  he  complains,  but  rather  a  studious  regard  for  what 
was  supposed  would  be  most  agreeable  to  himself,  and  that 
the  same  reticence  was  considerately  observed  in  reference 
to  another  esteemed  brother,  whilst  the  hope  was  cherish- 
ed that  "if  the  Society  were  conducted  in  a  way  to  meet 
their  approval,  they  would  both  promote  its  welfare,"  is 
expressly  declared  in  the  letter  Qf  Bishop  Meade. 

For  concealment,  there  was  no  conceivable  motive,  and 
if  there  had  been,  it  would  have  been  impossible  in  a  move- 
ment which  had  been  publicly  discussed  in  the  papers,  and 
freely  talked  of  hy  those  sj)ecially  interested  in  its  accom- 
plishment. 

How  far  the  mortification  which  Bishop  Otey  experi- 
enced from  the  fancied  slight  may  have  influenced  his 
views,  and  suggested  his  language  in  relation  to  the  Evan- 
gelical Knowledge  Society,  no  one  can  decide.  It  did  not, 
however,  prevent  his  prompt  disavowal  of  any  intention 
of  giving  offence,  and  the  declaration,  "I  am  heartily  sorry 
for  having  used  language  in  my  address  which  you  (Bishop 
Meade)  deem  uncharitable,  and  ask  your  forgiveness. 
This  I  am  willing  to  say  to  3^ou,  and  to  all  others  who  may 
feel  as  you  do,  and  to  say  it  as  publicly  as  may  be  desired, 
to  heal  the  wounds  which  I  have  undesignedly  inflicted  " 
—  nothing  could  be  more  manly  and  Christian.  Yet,  on 
the  fifth  page,  the  influence  of  his  unhappy  prepossessions 
is  again  in  the  ascendancy,  and  without  perceiving  that  he 
was  virtually  repeating  the  offence  for  which  he  had  so 
becomingly  apologized,  he  writes:  "The  word  C07iceal  may 
then  be  stricken  from  my  address,  and  the  manner  and 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  233 

objects  of  the  organization  be  described  by  any  terms 
which  will  convey  a  just  and  truthful  impression  of  the 
transaction,  and  I  shall  be  perfectly  satisfied.  But  I  am 
greatly  deceived,  if  the  common  judgment  of  mankind  do 
not  pronounce  of  the  action  in  the  meeting,  so  far  as  action 
can  speak,  that  it  entered  not  into  wishes  or  contempla- 
tion to  have  the  time,  place,  or  purposes,  of  their  assem- 
blaire  known  to  the  ministers  and  members  of  the  Church 
then  in  Xew  York."  This  assumption  as  to  the  verdict  of 
mankind  is,  after  all,  only  the  repetition  of  his  own  offen- 
sive judgment,  with  a  vain  attempt  to  give  it  the  sanction 
of  universal  concurrence.  The  whole  reply  shows  that  the 
communication  of  Bishop  Meade  had  effected  no  change 
in  his  impressions  as  to  the  character  of  the  preliminary 
meetings,  or  his  convictions  with  regard  to  the  Society  it- 
self He  still  considered  the  one  censurably  clandes- 
tine, and  the  other  schismatic  in  its  spirit,  and  "fraught 
with  mischief  and  danger  to  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the 
Church,  to  an  extent  which  can  scarcely  be  overestimated." 
This  is  the  burden  of  his  letter,  and  he  labors  to  sustain  it 
by  a  skillful  and  earnest  exhibition  of  arguments  and  ob- 
jections, which  have  been  so  often  published  in  various 
forms,  as  to  render  their  reproduction  here  as  unnecessary, 
as  it  would  now  be  useless.  The  experiment  has  been 
made  for  seventeen  years.  Both  Societies  are  in  active 
operation,  and  the  Church,  at  the  expiration  of  that  time, 
was  undivided,  and  less  disturbed,  and  more  prosperous, 
than  before  the  denounced  institution  was  organized.  The 
result  fairly  proved  that  not  the  Bishop  of  Tennessee,'but 
the  Bishop  of  Yirginia  was  the  true  prophet. 

The  views  of  Bishop  Otey,  as  recorded  near  the  close  of 
his  reply,  will  be  gratifying  to  many  who  cherish  his  mem- 
ory with  warm  affection.  Bishop  Meade  had  written  : — 
"And  now,  as  to  your  strong  denunciation  of  our  society, 
let  me  remind  you  of  what  I  once  heard  you  say,  'that  you 
had  never  read  one  of  the   Oxford  tracts,  and  of  course 


234  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

could  express  no  opinion  about  them.'  If  such  has  been 
the  case  in  relation  to  the  numerous  works  which,  too-eth- 
er  with  them,  and  of  the  same  tendency,  have  been  issued 
from  the  press  in  this  country,  or,  if  you  have  not  given  a 
full  examination  to  those  books  from  our  Sunday  School 
Union,  New  York  Tract  Society,  or  which  individuals  have 
published,  and  which  have  been  charged  with  false  doc- 
trine, let  me  ask,  are  you  justified  in  pronouncing  such  a 
judgment  on  your  brethren  who  have  read  them,  and  feel 
bound  to  adopt  some  measure  to  prevent  the  full  influence 
thereof?" 

Bishop  Otey  answers:  "You  refer  to  my  acquaintance 
with  the  Oxford  tracts,  and  kindred  publications.  I  never 
read  but  one  of  them — 'IS^o.  90.'  I  happened  to  be  in  New 
York  when  that  tract  came  out.  I  read  it,  and  immedi- 
ately wrote  to  Dr.  Seabury,  expressing  my  unqualified  dis- 
approbation of  its  views  and  princij^les.  This  is  all  I 
have  had  to  do  with  Tractarianism.  It  is  true  that  I  have 
three  volumes  of  the  Oxford  tracts  in  my  library,  but  I 
have  never  had  time  and  opportunity  to  peruse  them."  "  I 
never  expect  to  read  them,  as  I  look  forward  to  no  time 
of  leisure,  or  rest,  in  this  world." 

"You  would  know  whether  I  regard  the  views,  senti- 
ments and  practices  lately  introduced  amongst  us,  as  mere 
differences  of  opinion.  I  wish  you  had  been  more  specific, 
for  I  do  not  know  with  sufficient  precision  to  what  you  al- 
lude, to  enable  me  to  answer.  If  you  refer  to  the  practi- 
ces, so  variant  in  different  places,  about  wearing  the  sur- 
plicie  or  the  gown,  about  lectures  and  pulpits,  communion 
tables  on  two  or  four  legs,  and  desks,  and  crosses,  in  our 
churches,  &c.,  &c  ,  I  hold  them  as  matters  of  indifference, 
except  that  neither  the  one  practice,  or  the  other,  should 
be  insisted  on,  to  the  destruction  of  charitj^.  We  have 
never  had  any  trouble  about  any  of  these  things."  (His 
trouble  in  this  line,  however,  did  come,  and  he  met  it  man- 
fully.)    "The  clergy  preach  in  the  surplice  or  gown,  as 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  235 

convenience,  or  necessity,  may  require ;  only  we  strive,  as 
the  Apostle  directs,  that  'all  things  be  done  decently  and 
in  order.'  We  keep  as  near  to  the  rubrics,  in  all  cases,  as 
we  can.  But  we  sometimes  have  to  officiate  without  any 
clerical  vestments,  and  I  have  even  converted  my  hat  into 
a  desk,  from  which  to  read  prayers  and  preach.  I  do  think 
that  it  is  an  abominable  shame,  that  questions  giving  rise 
to  unprofitable  strife  and  debate  about  such  things,  should 
be  introduced  among  Christian  people,  or  those  professing 
godliness." 

"If  your  remarks  have  reference  to  another,  and,  as  I 
consider,  a  far  more  important  topic,  I  can  speak  with  def- 
initeness  and  precision.  If  you  mean,  in  short,  to  ask 
whether  I  regard  those  views  which  have  sometimes  been 
presented  among  us,  upon  the  great  and  vital  doctrine  of 
justification  by  faith,  going  to  deprive  the  Saviour  of  the 
glory  of  His  work,  and  the  poor  sinner  of  his  only  ground 
of  hope,  I  reply  unhesitatingly,  that  I  utterly,  and  wholly 
reject  and  repudiate  them.  I  do  not  regard  them  as  mat- 
ters of  indifference.  I  hold,  without  qualification,  limita- 
tion, subtraction  or  addition,  the  doctrine  set  forth  in  our 
thirty-first  Article,  and  distinctly  recognized  in  the  Com- 
munion office.  I  entirely  condemn  the  notion,  and  every 
approach  to  the  notion,  or  idea,  that  any  work  of  man 
whatever,  however  done,  can  add  one  iota,  jot  or  tittle  to 
the  perfect  and  alone  meritorious  righteousness  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  by  which,  and  which  alone,  the  sinner  is  just- 
ified— that  there  is  not  one  particle  of  inherent  or  in- 
wrought righteousness  in  the  sinner,  which  he  can  plead 
for  justification.  I  hold  that  justification  is  the  act  of  God 
— that  faith,  the  only  instrument  of  justification,  is  the 
gift  of  God,  and  applies  the  merits  of  Christ  to  the  sin-sick 
and  condemned  soul  for  pardon  —  that  the  sinner  is  justi- 
fied by  faith  only — that  baptism,  the  Lord's  Supper — in 
short,  all  other  means  of  grace,  when  properly  used,  add  no- 
thing whatever  towards  procuring  the  sinner's  justifica- 


236  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

tion,  which  proceeds  from  the  free  mercy  of  God  in  Christ 
—  that  they  are  chamiels  for  grace,  given  for  the  sanctifi- 
cation  of  the  believer  in  soul,  body  and  spirit,  to  fit  and 
qualify  him  for  Heaven.  These  are  the  things  which  I 
constantly  affirm  and  teach — these  are  the  things  in  which 
I  find  comfort  and  hope  to  my  own  poor  afflicted  soul,  and 
in  faithful  adherence  to  these,  I  trust  to  live  and  die."  A 
full  and  feeling  exposition  of  Luther's  "  Articulus  stantis 
vel  cadentis  ecdesice'^ — the  very  life-blood  of  the  whole 
Evangelical  system,  which  it  pervades  to  its  very  extrem- 
ities, imparting  vitality  and  nutriment  to  every  member, 
and  securing  the  power,  and  symmetry  of  the  bod}^,  in  its 
completeness.  Can  it  for  a  moment  be  supposed  that  one 
who  so  clearly  and  cordially  embraced  this  blessed  faith, 
could  willingly  be  indifferent  to  the  diffusion  of  errors 
tending  to  adulterate  and  neutralize  it?  If  the  good 
Bishop  of  Tennessee  had  taken  time  to  examine,  as  did 
his  brother  of  Yirginia,  they  would  not  only  have  been 
one  in  heart,  but  have  stood  shoulder  to  shoulder  in  con- 
flict, in  resisting  the  unscriptural  teachings  of  the  Oxford 
Tracts,  and  kindred  publications. 

The  correspondence  produced  no  change  in  the  affection- 
ate relations  of  the  parties.  Some  six  months  afterwards, 
in  a  letter  on  another  subject,  Bishoj)  Otey  writes:  "I  am 
sure,  it  is  not  in  my  heart,  to  add  one  single  care  or  anxiety 
to  the  many  that  opj^ress  you  under  the  increasing  infirmi- 
ties of  age,  the  pains  of  sickness,  and  the  weight  of  offi- 
cial duty."  "I  shall  never  forget  your  counsel,  your  ad- 
vice, your  prayers,  and  your  many  acts  of  friendly  regard. 
I  never  fail  to  remember  you  in  my  prayers  every  Sunday 
morning,  according  to  a  mutual  agreement  of  nearly  six- 
teen years'  standing.  I  shall  never  cease  to  revere  and 
love  you,  and  should  esteem  it  the  highest  consummation 
of  any  earthly  ambition  I  might  properly  cherish,  to  reach 
the  measure  of  your  labors,  influence  and  zeal  in  the  cause 
of  Christ." 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  237 

The  "mutual  agreement"  alluded  to  in  this  extract,  was 
formed  in  Cincinnati  in  1838,  where  several  of  the  Bishops 
were  convened,  to  consecrate  the  Eev.  Leonidas  Polk  as 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Louisiana.  Among  the  private 
devotional  exercises  of  Bishop  Meade,  the  following  prayer 
and  superscription  are  found  in  his  own  handwriting : 

"The  following  is  the  joint  composition  of  Bishop  Otey 
and  myself,  the  result  of  an  agreement  between  Bishops 
Mcllvaine,  Otey,  Polk  and  myself,  to  pray  specially  for 
each  other  every  Sabbath  morning: 

"O  Grod,  who  art  pleased  not  merely  to  receive  the  in- 
tercessions of  thy  son-  Jesus  Christ  in  behalf  of  Thy  poor 
sinful  creatures,  but  dost  command  them  to  pray  one  for 
another,  and  promise  that  the  effectual  fervent  prayer  of 
the  righteous  shall  much  avail,  favorably  regard  the  prayers 
of  Thy  servants  for  themselves  and  each  other,  which  we 
desire  to  offer  up,  trusting  that  our  great  Advocate  will 
intercede  mightily  for  us  with  Thee. 

"And  oh,  that  the  Holy  Spirit  may  intercede  within  us, 
with  groanings  not  to  be  uttered,  making  us  all  deeply  to 
feel  our  corruptions  and  weaknesses,  and  earnestly  to  de- 
sire what  we  pray  for,  assured  that  none  but  God  can  help 
us.  O  that  we  may  come  unto  God  with  strong  faith,  ver- 
ily believing,  that  He  will  reward  those  who  diligently  seek 
Him  through  His  Son,  asking  his  best  spiritual  gifts. 

"O  God!  who  knowest  our  needs,  Thou  knowest  that 
ours  is  no  common  office,  but  the  highest  in  Thy  glorious 
Church  on  earth,  and  that  the  honor  of  Thy  Son,  and  the 
salvation  of  immortal  souls  are  connected  with  it.  O  why 
didst  Thou  put  such  a  trust  into  such  unworthy  and  feeble 
hands,  and  expose  such  great  interests  to  such  imminent 
hazard.  Were  it  not  enough  that  we  have  to  answer  for 
our  own  souls,  and  run  the  fearful  risk  of  their  eternal 
perdition  ?  Must  we  in  some  degree  be  accountable  for 
others  also,  and  for  such  numbers  too  ?  And  oh !  awful 
thought,  must  we  be  responsible  to  Heaven  not  merely  for 


238  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

our  little  flock  given  us  to  tend,  but,  in  a  measure,  for  all 
those  numerous  ones  scattered  over  the  hills  and  valleys 
which  we  are  appointed  to  survey,  and  not  merely  for  our 
ministry,  but  for  the  ministers  of  those  over  whom  Thou 
hast  placed  us,  giving  us  the  oversight  thereof  Great 
Grod!  who  is  sufficient  for  this  ?  Which  of  us  can  be  sav- 
ed? O  God !  Thou  must  have  great  compassion  ou  us,  and 
deal  very  gently  with  us,  and  remember  the  infirmities 
whereof  we  are  made — that  we  are  only  earthen  vessels 
—  weak  things,  and  foolish  things  which  Thou  hast  chosen 
to  magnify,  that  in  them  Thou  mightest  show  to  the  world 
that  the  work  is  Thine,  and  Thine  the  glory. 

"But  still,  O  Lord,  we  cannot  but  tremble  at  the  thought 
of  the  work  we  have  undertaken,  and  sometimes  greatly 
to  fear,  that  though  we  have  solemnly  declared  that  we  be- 
lieved Thy  Spirit  called  us  to  it,  it  was  our  own  foolish 
vanity  which  led  us  to  do  it.  But  it  is  now  too  late  to 
draw  back,  for  that  would  be  to  our  own  perdition.  The 
most  solemn  vows  are  upon  us  to  do  all  that  in  us  lieth,  to 
fulfil  the  great  duties  of  our  office,  and  to  whom  shall  we 
go  but  to  Thee  for  strength  to  perform  them?  O  God!  if 
there  be  any  upon  this  earth  who  need  a  double  portion  to 
enlighten,  to  sanctify,  to  strengthen  and  to  comfort  them, 
are  not  we  the  very  persons?  And  hast  Thou  not  prom- 
ised grace  according  to  our  day,  and  that  Thou  wilt  not 
put  on  man  more  than  Thou  wilt  make  him  able  to  bear? 
O,  then,  unto  us  be  the  spirit  of  Thy  servant  Moses,  ruler 
over  the  Jews,  yet  meek  above  all  men  —  the  spirit  of 
Joshua,  fearless  of  man,  and  trusting  in  the  Lord — the 
spirit  of  David,  man  after  Thine  own  heart,  full  of  holy 
zeal  and  deep  contrition  —  the  spirit  of  Abraham,  interced- 
ing for  the  cities  of  the  plain  —  the  spirit  of  Aj^ostles,  and 
Prophets,  and  Martyrs,  and  holy  men  of  God  in  every  age. 
Above  all,  oh !  for  the  heart,  the  tender  heart  of  the  holy 
Jesus  weeping  over  the  city  of  God,  and  making  r^ady  to 
die  for  sinful  man  !" 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  239 

So  far,  Bishop  Meade-;  the  following  is  Bishop  Otey's: 

"Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  mercifully  hear  and 
graciously  answer  the  prayers  which  Thy  servants  have 
covenanted  to  offer  for  each  other  at  this  time,  through  the 
intercession  of  Thy  dear  Son.  Grant,  oh  Lord,  that  we 
may  never  lose  sight  of  the  weighty  responsibility  resting 
upon  us.  May  we  ever  realize  an  abiding  and  deep  sense 
of  the  value  of  souls,  and  never  relax  our  exertions  to  win 
them  to  Christ.  May  we  always  have  such  views  of  the 
dreadful  nature  and  danger  of  sin,  and  be  so  affected  with 
the  love  of  Christ  in  dying  for  sinners,  that  we  may  esteem 
no  toil  too  great,  no  hardship  too  severe  to  endure,  in  warn- 
ing the  ungodly,  in  reclaiming  the  erring,  that  they  may 
be  saved  through  Christ  Jesus.  Be  with  us  in  all  ourjour- 
neyings,  protect  us  in  all  our  dangers,  assist  us  in  all  our 
difficulties,  support  us  under  all  our  trials ;  enlighten  our 
understandings  with  heavenly  wisdom,  establish  our  hearts 
with  grace,  and  so  replenish  us  with  the  truth  of  Thy  doc- 
trine, and  adorn  us  with  innocency  of  life,  that,  by  word 
and  deed,  we  may  faithfully  serve  before  Thee,  to  the  glory 
of  Thy  name,  and  to  the  edifying  and  well  governing  of 
Thy  Church  and  people. 

"Bless  us  in  all  our  labors  this  day,  and  grant  that  we 
may  rejoice  in  every  opportunity  of  spreading  abroad  the 
truth  of  Thy  gospel,  and  proclaiming  the  glad  tidings  of  re- 
conciliation with  Thee.  Bless  Thy  ministers  and  people 
everywhere,  and  grant  that  'Thy  ways  may  be  known 
upon  earth,  and  Thy  saving  health  among  all  nations.' 

"Hear  us  in  these  our  prayers,  answer  us  as  shall  be 
most  expedient  for  us,  and  grant  us  all  needful  blessings, 
according  to  Thy  will  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour,  to  whom, 
with  Thee,  O  Father,  and  Thee,  O  Holy  Ghost,  be  glory 
everlasting.     Amen." 

In  the  reply  of  Bishop  Otey  to  Bishop  Meade,  allusion 
is  made  to  the  use  of  gown  and  surplice.  The  views  of  the 
Bishop  of  Virginia  on  the  subject  are  expressed  under  the 


240  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

headinir,  "Of  the  use  of  clerical  vestments,"  in  the  first 
volume  of  "  Old  Churches  of  Virginia,"  pp.  47,  48,  49 : 

"It  is  well  known  that  the  controversy  in  our  mother 
Church  concerning  the  use  of  the  surplice,  was  a  long  and 
bitter,  and  most  injurious  one ;  was,  indeed,  considered  by 
some  of  her  ablest  Bishops  and  clergy  as  that  which  was 
the  main  point  which  caused  the  final  secession ;  that  if 
the  obligation  to  use  it  had  been  removed,  the  Church 
would,  for  at  least  a  much  longer  period,  have  been  undi- 
vided. Various  attempts  were  made  to  abolish  the  canon 
or  rubric  enforcing  it,  but  it  was  thought  improper  to  hu- 
mor the  dissenters  by  so  doing,  and  alleged  that  if  this 
were  done,  other  demands  would  be  made.  At  the  revis- 
ion of  the  Prayer  Book  by  our  American  fathers,  this  and 
other  changes,  which  had  long  been  desired  by  many  in 
England,  and  still  are,  were  at  once  made,  and  the  dress 
of  the  clergy  Jeft  to  their  own  good-sense,  it  being  only 
required  that  it  should  be  decent.  1  believe  it  has  never 
been  attempted  but  once,  to  renew"  the  law"  enforcing  cleri- 
cal habits.  Soon  after  I  entered  the  House  of  Bishops, 
some  one  in  the  other  House  proj^osed  such  a  canon.  A 
warm  but  short  discussion  ensued,  which  ended  in  the 
withdrawal  of  what  found  but  little  favor.  During  the  dis- 
cussion the  subject  was  mentioned  among  the  Bishops,  who 
seemed  all  opposed  to  it,  and  one  of  whom,  more  disposed, 
perhaps,  to  such  things  than  any  other,  cried  out,  'De 
minimis  non  curat  lex.' 

"The  Clergy  of  Virginia,  from  the  first  efforts  at  resusci- 
tating the  Church,  have  been  charged  by  some  with  being 
too  indifferent  to  clerical  garments;  nor  have  they  been 
very  careful  to  repel  the  charge,  thinking  it  better  to  err 
in  this  way,  than  in  the  opposite.  Bishop  Hobart  once 
taunted  me  with  this,  though  at  the  same  time  he  ac- 
knowledged that  there  were  times  and  places  when  it 
would  be  folly  to  think  of  using  the  clerical  garments,  say- 
ing that   in  his  visitations,   especially"   to   Western   New 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  241 

York,  he  sometimes  dispensed  not  only  with  the  Episco- 
pal robes,  but  even  with  the  black  gown.  The  Bishops  of 
Virginia  have  sometimes  been  condemned  for  not  requir- 
ing the  candidates  to  be  dressed  in  surplices  at  the  time  of 
their  admission  to  deacons'  orders,  although  there  is  no 
canon  or  rubric  loolving  to  such  a  thing.  They  are  at  least 
as  good  Churchmen,  in  this  respect,  as  the  English  Bish- 
ops. When  in  England,  some  years  since,  I  witnessed  the 
ordination  of  fifty  deacons  by  the  present  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury,  in  Durham  Cathedral,  not  one  of  whom  was 
surpliced ;  some  of  them,  as  well  as  I  remember,  having  on 
their  college  gowns,  answering  to  our  black  gowns,  and 
others  only  their  common  garments.  There  is,  I  think, 
less  disposition  to  form  and  parade  there  than  is  sometimes 
seen  in  our  own  country.  I  onl}^  add  that  Bishop  Moore, 
in  his  visitations,  always  took  his  seat  in  the  chancel  in 
his  ordinary  dress,  except  when  about  to  perform  some  offi- 
cial act,  and  thus  addressed  the  congregation  after  the  ser- 
mon.    I  have  seen  no  cause  to  depart  from  his  example." 

In  1841  the  subject  of  clerical  vestments  was  agitated  in 
Western  Virginia,  and  a  memorial,  praying  that  their  use 
might  be  rendered  obligatory,  was  prepared  and  forwarded 
to  Bishop  Meade,  to  be  laid  before  the  General  Conven- 
tion, then  sitting  in  ISTew  York.  To  this  communication 
he  replied  in  the  following  letter: 

New  York,  Oct.  11,   1841. 
To  the  Ministers,  and  Vestry  of  the  Episcopal  Church  at   Wheeling. 

Dear  Brethren : — Your  letter  touching  the  difference  of  sentiment  pre- 
vailing in  the  congregation,  concerning  the  use  of  the  surplice,  was  duly 
received,  and  has  been  the  subject  of  consideration.  Not  willing  to  trust 
to  ray  own  judgment,  I  referred  the  letter  to  Bishop  Moore,  whose  age,  ex- 
perience, and  authority  in  the  Church,  demanded  this  reference.  On  con- 
sulting together,  we  have  agreed  that  it  would  be  better  not  to  present  the 
memorial  to  the  General  Convention,  but  to  address  this  letter  to  you  from 
ourselves.  We  are  sure  that  you  will  consider  it  as  a  sufficient  reason  for 
not  complying  with  your  request,  that  at  the  last  general  Convention  a 
proposition  was  made  merely  to  recommend  the  use  of  the  surplice  in  all 
11 


242  MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

the  churches,  but  so  great  was  the  opposition  made  to  it,  that  the  resolution 
was  withdrawn.  The  objection  to  any  act  of  the  General  Convention  on 
this  subject  is,  that  the  circumstances  of  many  of  the  churches  through  our 
widely  extended  country  are  so  different,  that  it  would  not  be  expedient  to 
attempt  to  enforce  any  general  rule  as  to  the  dress  of  the  ministers,  but 
rather  to  leave  it  to  the  discretion  of  each  minister  to  decide  what  is  most 
proper.  Had  the  memorial  been  presented,  it  would  probably,  through  the 
pressure  of  more  important  business,  have  been  laid  on  the  table,  or  else 
been  the  subject  of  an  unpleasant  discussion,  of  which  we  do  not  think 
you  would  wish  to  have  been  the  occasion . 

While  we  thus  decline  presenting  the  petition,  we  cannot  forbear  adding 
our  decided  opinion  that  this  is  one  of  those  questions  which  ought  to  be 
left  to  the  decision  of  each  minister  of  the  Church,  and  that  every  congre- 
gation should  be  willing  to  acquiesce  in  the  judgment  of  their  minister. 

We  would  therefore  most  aflfectionately  recommend  it  to  the  congregation 
of  Wheeling,  to  allow  their  minister  to  determine  what  is  most  expedient 
to  be  done,  and  that  those  who  may  differ  from  him,  would,  in  a  spirit  of 
Christian  love,  yield  up  their  own  private  desires  for  the  welfare  of  the 
whole. 

The  matter  of  ecclesiastical  vestments  incidentally  intro- 
duced in  connexion  with  the  language  of  Eishop  Otey's 
letter,  being  disposed  of,  the  notice  of  the  Sunday  School 
Union  and  Evangelical  Knowledge  Society  may  be  conclu- 
ded by  mentioning  an  attempt  which  was  made,  in  1855,  to 
have  a  depository  of  the  Sunday  School  Union  established 
at  the  Theological  Seminary  near  Alexandria.  The  over- 
ture was  made,  not  to  the  Professors,  but  to  the  students, 
and  was  accompanied  by  the  assurance  that,  through  its 
agency,  they  would  be  furnished  with  facilities  in  procuring 
professional  books.  Before  acting  on  the  proposal,  the  stu- 
dents very  properly  applied  to  Bishop  Meade,  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Institution,  for  advice.     The  following  letter 

is  his  reply : 

Millwood,  March  9,  1855. 
To  Mr.  Joseph  Jones, 

My  Young  Friend'. 
Yours  of  the  Tth  reached  me  last  evening.     I  know  not  how  I  can  pre- 
sent my  views  of  the  subject  of  which  it  treats,  so  well,  as  by  a  brief  state- 
ment of  my  connection  with  the  Society  of  which  you  speak,  and  of  my 
separation  from  it.  " 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  243 

I  was  a  member  of  the  General  Convention  of  1826,  at  which  it  was 
formed.  It  was  purely  a  voluntary  Society.  Some  wished  to  have  it  un- 
der the  auspices  of  the  Gen-jral  Convention,  but  that  was  objected  to.  Some 
of  the  Bishops  took  part  in  it  ;  others  did  not.  The  founders  of  it  chose 
to  make  all  the  Bishops  members  and  officers  of  it,  as  they  have  done  ever 
since,  without  their  consent,  in  order  to  give  it  the  aspect  of  a  general  in- 
stitution. The  strongest  assurances  were  given  that  it  should  in  nowise  be 
a  party  institution.  I  was  pleased  with  the  prospect,  and  took  a  leading 
part  in  causing  it  to  be  recommended,  the  following  Spring,  by  the  Con- 
vention of  Virginia. 

A  few  months  only  elapsed,  before  I  discovered  that  the  pledge  was  vio- 
lated, in  the  most  palpable  way,  by  some  of  its  issues.  I  immediately  re- 
monstrated with  the  Secretary  and  prime  agent,  the  present  Bishop  of  Ma- 
ryland He  replied  that  one  obnoxious  work  should  not  be  republished  or 
recommended  any  more,  and  that  as  an  oflfset  to  others,  some  of  an  oppo- 
site character  should  be  put  forth.  The  first  part  may  have  been  fulfilled, 
the  latter  never  has.  The  present  Bishop  of  Kentucky  made  a  similar  re- 
monstrance. 

Since  thas  time,  and  more  especially  as  Tractarianism  progressed,  its  is- 
sues have  been  more  objectionable,  although  assurances  have  been  given  to 
the  public  in  their  annual  Reports,  that  only  such  books  were,  and  should 
be  issued  as  ^'presented  in  their  integrity  those,  and  only  those  great  truths, 
which  are  plainly  recognized  in  all  the  authorized  standards  of  the  Church. 
Dissatisfaction,  however,  still  increased,  and  in  the  year  1846,  a  number 
of  Bishops  being  in  New  York,  convened  the  Executive  officers  of  the  So- 
ciety, made  known  their  complaints,  and  directed  a  set  of  all  their  publica- 
tions to  be  sent  to  each  of  the  Bishops  for  examination.  Some  of  the  Bish- 
ops did  receive  them.  I  carefully  examined  those  sent  to  me,  and  in  two 
letters  made  known  to  my  brother  Bishops,  and  sovue  others,  my  objections. 
A  reply  was  made  to  this  by  the  Secretary,  Rev,  Mr.  Tenbroeck,  and,  it  is 
believed,  with  the  approbation  of  those  acting  with  him,  in  which  my  crit- 
icisms, which  were  couched  in  respectful  language,  were  treated  with  scorn 
and  derision,  and  charged  with  falsehood.  I  then  republished  my  letter, 
with  notes  and  an  appendix,  in  a  pamphlet  of  sixty  octavo  pages,  and  gave 
it  more  extensive  circulation.  For  this  I  received  the  thanks  of  the  Church 
in  Virginia,  which  rescinded  its  former  vote  of  approbation.  The  pamph- 
let has  ever  since  been  assailed  in  certain  Church  papers,  one  or  more  of 
which  published  in  full  Mr.  Tenbroeck's  reply.  It  has  also  been  repeatedly 
declared  in  reference  to  the  objection  made  in  it,  by  the  Reports  of  the  so- 
ciety, and  by  its  defenders,  that  the  chai-ges  were  false,  and  that  the  socie- 
ty's publications  were  sound.  As  the  Tractarian  tendency  advanced. 
Bishop  Chase,  their  senior  and  presiding  Bishop,  wrote  a  public  letter  of 
remonstrance  to  its  present  Secretary,  which  Wiis  as  publicly  answered  in  a 
most  disrespectful  tone,  and  the  charge  denied. 


244  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

Seeing  that  there  was  no  prospect  of  obtaining  what  we  desired,  in  the 
year  1847  a  number  of  the  Bishops  and  clergy,  after  much  deliberation, 
formed  the  Evangelical  Knowledge  Society,  which  has  continued  to  increase 
in  public  favor,  though  violently  assailed  by  the  friends  of  the  other,  who 
for  a  time  claimed  for  it  the  character  of  an  institution  of  the  General  Con- 
vention, though  that  has  been  entirely  abandoned. 

At  the  last  General  Convention  a  great  change  took  place  in  the  policy 
of  its  friends,  who,  though  they  would  not  acknowledge  that  there  was 
unsoundness  in  the  books,  determined  as  a  matter  of  expediency,  that  there 
should  be  a  revision  and  expurgation.  A  committee  was  appointed  for  the 
purpose,  which  sent  forth  a  statement  and  appeal,  declaring  their  determi- 
nation to  make  such  changes  as  would  remove  all  objection,  and  ought  to 
satisfy  and  receive  the  patronage  of  all  the  true  members  of  the  Church. 

Had  the  committee  and  others  been  satisfied  to  make  these  changes  in  a 
spirit  of  moderation,  all  would  have  rejoiced  ;  but  they  have,  in  a  manner 
too  plain  to  be  misunderstood,  made  an  assault  upon  the  Evangelical  Know- 
ledge Society,  and  called  upon  all  to  abandon  that,  and  unite  with  them 
in  the  only  society  which  the  friends  of  unity  ought  to  support.  Our  de- 
struction is  their  evident  object. 

Their  statement  and  appeal  has  been  sent  to  all  the  bishops  and  clergy 
of  the  Church,  and  to  I  know  not  how  many  of  the  laity,  calling  for  pe- 
cuniary aid  and  other  patronage.  This  was  sent  to  me  with  a  request  that 
I  would  patronize  its  object,  one  part  of  which  was,  to  break  down  the 
society  of  which  I  am  president.  This,  of  course,  I  declined  to  do.  More 
recently  I  have  been  called  upon  to  express  my  opinion  as  to  the  merits  of 
a  doubtful  tract,  "  The  Sacrament  of  Responsibility."  To  this  I  replied, 
that  1  did  not  purpose  to  take  any  part  in  the  affairs  of  that  society.  I  am 
now  called  on  to  approve  the  establishment  of  a  society  auxiliary  to  it,  and 
of  a  depository  for  its  books  in  the  bosom  of  a  Seminary  of  which  I  am 
president  and  professor,  and  all  of  whose  professors  are  of  the  same  mind 
with  me  on  the  subject. 

I  am  confident  that  I  might  safely  leave  the  decision  of  the  question  to 
thosewho  have  proposed  it,  only  asking  them,  in  view  of  the  above  state- 
ment, to  place  themselves  in  my  circumstances  and  situation. 

Although  the  foregoing  statement  should  be  a  sufficient  reason  for  my 
course,  yet,  as  you  have  mentioned  certain  considerations  in  favor  of  the 
plan  proposed,  it  is  due  to  yourself  and  those  agreeing  with  you,  that  I 
should  briefly  notice  them. 

First :  The  great  change  promised,  and  begun  in  the  character  of  the 
books  of  the  society.  But  it  is  a* fact  that  they  have  never  dared  to  con- 
demn any  of  them,  but  merely  on  the  ground  of  expediency  to  discontinue 
some  and  make  slight  alterations  in  others,  if  the  Provisional  Bishop  of 
New  York  agree.     Expediency  is  a  very  changeable  thing.     It  may,  in 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  245 

time,  become  expedient  to  change  back  again.  In  proof  of  the  uncertain- 
t}^  resting  upon  the  whole  matter,  I  mention  their  recent  action  in  the  case 
of  the  tract  on  Baptism — "Sacrament  of  Responsibilitr,"  as  it  is  called. 
In  it,  some  very  high  views  of  baptismal  regeneration  are  set  forth.  The 
committee  being  divided  as  to  its  rejection,  it  was  left  to  the  decision  of  the 
Bishops.  It  appears  from  the  Church  Journal  that  nearly  all  the  Bishops 
advised  its  rejection,  though  only  upon  the  ground  of  expediency,  it  being 
much  objected  to  by  some  persons.  The  Journal  states  that  the  high  doc- 
trine of  baptismal  regeneration  is  thus  most  triumphantly  established  by 
the  Bishops,  and  that  the  same  doctrine  is  found  in  other  books  of  the  so- 
ciety, which  have  not  been  complained  of.  It  is  only  inexpedient  to  pub- 
lish it  in  this  tract.     On  what  is  our  confidence  to  be  placed  ? 

Secondly :  Yen  speak  of  the  advantages  to  be  derived  through  this  society, 
from  the  venerable  Christian  Knowledge  Society  of  Enarland.  That  socie- 
ty, once  venerable,  has  for  some  time  past  lost  the  confidence  of  a  most  re- 
spectable portion  of  the  Church.  It  has  fallen  into  the  hands  of  High 
Churchmen  and  Tractarians,  and  has  issued  books  different  from  those  of 
an  earlier  period,  and  even  mutilated  some  of  its  first  issues,  making  them 
teach  a  different  doctrine.     I  wish  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  it. 

Thirdly :  You  speak  of  the  advantage  of  being  able  to  get  such  works 
as  those  of  Hooker,  etc.,  through  this  connection.  But,  Hooker's  works 
are  in  all  the  large  book  stores  of  the  land,  and  can  be  gotten  by  any  one 
who  wants  them.  And,  as  to  all  the  publications  of  the  society  in  New 
York,  they  can  be  readily  gotten,  and  I  think  it  probable  for  asking,  by 
any  who  desire  to  examine  them,  without  the  establishment  of  a  depot  at 
the  Seminary.  Depots  are  for  large  cities  and  booksellers,  and  the  publica- 
tions of  the  Society  have  been  freely  sent  to  various  cities  and  booksellers 
in  Virginia,  some  to  Alexandria,  I  think  which  is  so  near  at  hand.  1  hey 
have  no  room  in  the  Seminary  for  a  depot,  and  if  there  was,  the  trustees 
would  not  be  disposed  to  open  it  for  the  reception  of  the  books  of  the  so- 
ciety in  question.* 

It  is  clear,  then,  that  whatever  consideration  may  have  been  presented  to 
your  minds  in  favor  of  this  measure,  that  it  cannot  otherwise  than  wear 
the  aspect  of  a  mere  party  movement  in  some  quarter,  in  order  to  effect 
gomething  of  a  triumph  for  the  managers  and  champions  of  a  society  which 
ought  to  be  put  on  trial  for  a  longer  period,  after  the  unfaithfulness  of 
twenty-eight  years,  during  which  period  it  has  so  often  been  complained 
of,  and  as  often  promised  better  things  from  the  seat  of  its  establishment, 
without  performing  them. 

At  my  approaching  visit,  I  can,  if  necessary,  be  yet  more  full  and  par- 
ticular, if  it  be  desired.     I  am  sorry  that  I  have  not  a  copy  of  my  pamph- 

*  This  sentence  was  in  a  note  in  the  original. 


246  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

let,  and  of  Mr.  Tenbroeck's  reply,  to  send  you.  Perhaps  you  can  get  one 
from  some  of  the  professors.  I  refer  you  also  to  a  defence  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Knowledge  Society,  more  recently  put  forth  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  An- 
drews. 

Commending  you,  and  all  our  young  friends,  to  the  guidance  of  the 
great  Bishop  of  souls,  I  remain 

Very  truly  yours  in  Christ, 

William  Meade. 

P.  S. — I  add  that,  besides  the  society's  own  publications,  it  has  a  set  of 
approved  books,  which  amounted  to  three  hundred  when  I  wrote  my 
pamphlet.  I  siw  a  very  few  of  them,  but  found  some  most  objectionable 
things,  of  which  I  wrote  in  my  pamphlet." 

When  this  reply  was  received,  the  students,  at  a  meeting 
called  for  the  purpose,  passed  the  following  resolutions, 
which,  with  the  note  from  the  secretary,  were  transmitted 
by  him  to  the  Bishop. 

RESOLUTIONS   ADOPTED   BY   THE    STUDENTS. 

Thursday  Night,  March  15,  1855. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  we  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  the 
wishes  of  the  Et.  Eev.  the  Eishop  of  the  Diocese,  and  at 
once  abandon  all  idea  of  founding  a  Seminary  auxiliary 
of  the  Gqen.  Prot.  Epis.  S.  S.  Union,  and  Church  Book  So- 
ciety. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  the  Et.  Eev.  the  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese,  our  hearty  thanks,  for  his  kind  and  paternal  treat- 
ment of  our  letter  of  inquiry,  and  that  we  heartily  concur 
in  the  arguments  expressed  in  his  answer. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  of  this  meeting  be  request- 
ed to  acquaint  the  Et.  Eev.  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  and 
the  Eev.  Dr.  May,  with  the  resolutions  of  this  meeting. 

Theo.  Seminary,  March  16,  1855. 
My  Dear  Bishop : 

Enclosed,  with  the  copy  of  the  letter  which  you  were  so  kind  as  to  write 
me,  are  these  resolutions,  unanimously  passed  at  a  meeting  of  some  of  the 
brethren,  who  originally  were  in  favor  of  the  object  proposed.     I  am  cer- 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  247 

taia  that  there  is  not  one  who  does  not  heartily  acquiesce  in  the  couree  you 
recommend.  I  myself,  indeed  all,  were  ignorant  of  many  of  the  state- 
ments in  your  letter.  Had  it  been  otherwise,  I  for  one,  would  not  have 
thought  of  troubling  you  on  the  subject.  Praying  earnestly  that  your  val- 
uable life  may  yet  long  be  spared  to  preside  over  us  and  the  Church  to 
which  we  belong,  I  remain. 

Your  son  in  the  faith, 

Joseph  Jones,  Sect. 

The  violent  abuse,  and  gross  insults  experienced  by 
Bishop  Meade,  and  his  co-laborers,  for  their  vigilance  and 
fidelity  in  the  cause  of  evangelical  truth,  harmed  their  hot- 
spirited  authors,  but  hindered  not  the  movement  which 
they  so  fiercely  opposed.  The  society  became  a  power  in 
the  Church,  productive  of  positive  good  in  difi'using  sound 
scriptural  views  of  truth,  and  also,  if  the  statement  be 
allowable,  exercising  a  salutary  influence  in  the  interests 
and  usefulness  of  the  institution  of  which  it  was  denounced 
as  the  rival. 

The  only  question  of  any  especial  interest  which  brought 
out  a  difference  of  opinion,  related  to  the  propriety  of  pub- 
lishing works  of  fiction.  The  question  was  concisely  and 
clearly  stated  by  the  Eev.  C.  "W.  Andrews,  D.  D.,  to  whose 
indefatigable  activity,  and  intelligent  zeal,  the  society  is, 
under  God's  blessing,  largely  indebted  for  its  reputation 
and  usefulness.  "  Is  it  lawful  to  use  fiction  as  a  vehicle  of 
religious  truth  ?*'  and  he  argued  in  favor  of  the  negative 
with  earnestness  and  ability.  The  majority,  however, 
did  not  adopt  his  view,  and  the  course  which  had  been 
commenced,  though  more  carefully  regulated,  was  not  dis- 
continued. Pending  the  discussion,  some  one  wrote  to  the 
president  to  obtain  the  benefit  of  his  judgment  in  the  case. 
His  reply,  a  copy  of  which  he  retained,  does  not  contain 
the  name  of  the  person  to  whom  it  was  sent. 

Western  Virginia,  Nov.,  1854. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir : 

Your  letter  asking  my  opinion  about  the  admission  of  any  fictitious 

works  into  our  Society's  publications,  has  overtaken  me  in  the  woods  of 


248  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

Western  Virginia.  My  reply  must  be  just  such  as  I  can  make  in  the  midst 
of  duty,  and  on  the  wing.  I  have  thought  seriously  of  it  before,  and  my 
mind  is  made  up.  I  should  be  very  sorry  to  have  our  hands  bound  up,  so 
that  we  could  not  publish  any  little  books,  interesting  and  useful  to  child- 
ren and  young  persons,  because  they  are  not  actual  history,  biography, 
or  purely  didactic.  I  think  we  should  thereby,  give  other  societies  the  ad- 
vantage over  us  in  that  respect.  At  the  same  time,  I  should  be  sorry  to 
see  our  Society  going  as  far  in  the  way  of  fiction  as  the  American  Sunday 
School  Union,  and  the  Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union  once  did.  As  to 
larger  works  of  fiction,  for  older  persons,  designed  to  recommend  sound 
doctrines  and  expose  false  ones,  I  would  rather  let  the  booksellers  fulfil 
that  department, 

I  would  say  a  few  words  on  the  subject  of  fiction  in  general. 

1st.  I  think  it  is  sanctioned  by  the  figurative  language  of  Scripture,  by 
the  parables,  by  the  book  of  Job,  etc.,  which,  though  having  truth  for 
their  basis,  are  yet  not  the  plain  manner  of  stating  facts  and  truths. 

2nd  I  think  that  our  Lord  and  His  apostles  sanctioned  it  when  they 
held  up  a  perfect  pattern  and  standard  of  duty  which  no  man  ever  reached. 
Our  Lord  says,  "Be  ye  perfect,  even  as  God  is  perfect"  Perfection  in 
holiness  is  ever  enjoined.  God  could  not  require  less  without  sanctioning 
sin.  A  well  written  stOry,  holding  up  a  lovely  pattern  of  piety,  though 
not  affirming  that  the  character  is  perfect,  is  only  a  picture  of  the  perfect 
law  of  God,  or  an  example  of  it,  which  we  are  called  on  to  imitate  and 
get  as  near  to  as  possible,  just  as  we  are  called  on  to  obey  the  law  of  God 
as  nearly  as  possible.  Our  Lord  as  man,  was  a  perfect  pattern  which  we 
are  called  on  to  follow.  We  are  also  called  on  to  follow  the  example  of 
others  of  the  highest  sort.  Why  not  discribe  some  high  example  ?  It  is 
said  that  they  are  beyond  the  truth — beyond  reality  of  life,  but  still,  they 
are  not  beyond  the  requirements  of  the  divine  law. 

Blair,  I  think  it  is,  who  says  that  novels  are  good  for  elevating  the 
minds  and  characters  of  men,  by  placing  the  noble  deeds,  and  high  viriues, 
of  the  heroes  and  heroines  before  the  reader,  thus  exalting  the  reader. 
This  may  be  true  of  some  few  heroes  and  heroines  of  novels,  but,  for  the 
most  part,  mere  human  virtues  are  exalted,  not  the  graces  of  the  Spirit. 
It  is  not  the  gospel  hero,  but  the  mere  moral  man  of  the  earth,  and  all  the 
scenes  are  extravagant,  and  the  tendency  of  the  books  to  lead  away  from 
religion ;  religion  is  either  absent  or  caricatured,  and  weaknesses  are 
ridiculed.  Such  is  eminently  the  character  of  Walter  Scott's  novels  and 
poems.  Now  religious  novels  are  written  as  antidotes  to  these,  to  commend 
piety,  to  present  the  Christian  graces  of  humility,  meekness,  forgiveness, 
love,  zeal,  etc.,  and  sometimes  do  it  most  effectually  That  they  sometimes 
go  beyond  what  we  see,  even  among  the  pious,  though  not  beyond  the  re- 
quirements of  God's  perfect  law,  may  be  true,  but  then  they  are  intended 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  249 

to  set  forth  what  we  should  all  seek  to  attain,  and  to  stimulate  us  to  the 
same.  I  believe  that  some  biographies  are  as  much  in  fault  by  overstating 
the  character  of  their  subjects,  as  some  of  those  fictions,  because  the  latter 
are  put  forth  as  fiction,  though  representing  truth  in  the  most  favorable 
form. 

I  think,  on  the  whole,  that  religious  novels  have  done  good  by  prejudic- 
ing the  minds  of  many  readers  in  favor  of  sound  doctrine.  But  they 
have  been  too  numerous,  especially  for  the  young,  in  comparison  with 
other  kinds  of  reading,  or  books  to  be  studied.  Let  this  error  of  excess 
be  corrected,  bfit  let  not  the  good  be  rejected.  Such  is  my  hastily  written 
but  well  considered  opinion. 

Yours  truly, 

William  Meade. 

The  history  of  Bishop  Meade's  connection  with  the 
societies  of  his  day  will  be  completed  by  a  statement  of 
his  relation  to  the  organized  efforts  to  promote  the  cause 
of  temperance.  These,  under  <the  original  pledge,  which 
was  restricted  to  abstinence  from  alcoholic  liquor  as  a 
beverage,  had  his  cordial  approbation,  and  received  his 
zealous  support.  But  when  the  pledge  was  so  enlarged 
as  to  prohibit  wine,  thoiigh  he  had  long  abstained  from 
its  habitual  use,  he  felt  that  the  authority  of  Scripture, 
and  other  considerations,  forbade  his  advocating  the  new 
measure. 

His  views  are  expressed  in  his  reply  to  a  letter  addressed 
to  him  by  the  Rev.  Alonzo  Potter,  D.  T>.*  now  Bishop  of 
Pennsylvania,  an  early  and  able  advocate  of  the  temper- 
ance cause: 

Norfolk,  March  3,  1835. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Brother : 

Your  esteemed  favor  of  the  Hth  ultimo  came  to  hand  yesterday,  and 
though  you  do  not  ask  a  reply,  I  take  up  my  pen  to  give  you  a  brief, 
though  free  exposition  of  my  sentiments  on  the  subject.  I  am  sorry  that 
I  should  seem  to  any  of  the  worthy  laborers  in  the  cause  of  temperance  to 
entertain  any  sentiments  which  oppose  the  most  complete  success  thereof. 
I  am  aware,  however,  that  such  is  the  case,  and  that  some  regret  that  I 
cannot  go  with  them  to  the  full  extent  of  their  condemnation  of  wine,  and 

*  Written  in  1864. 
11* 


250  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

all  fermented  drinks.  I  feel  assured,  however,  from  the  tenor  of  your 
letter  that  you  and  1  differ  very  little,  if  at  all,  and  sc  you  will  perceive 
when  I  shall  state  my  sentiments  and  practice  on  the  subject. 

And  first,  that  you  may  be  sure  my  practice  does  not  biasmy  judgment, 
let  me  state  that  though  I  have  been  a  housekeeper  for  four  and  twenty 
years,  and  have  had  many  friends  to  visit  me  during  that  period,  I  have 
never  even  had  a  wine-glass  in  my  house,  (except  for  the  purpose  of  meas- 
uring medicine, )  and  of  course  have  never  invited  my  friends  to  sit  around 
the  wine  table.  I  have,  however,  generally  had  a  little  currant  wine 
made  at  home  without  a  drop  of  ardent  spirits,  which,  mingled  with  water 
1  have  sometimes  offered  to  the  older  guests,  in  the  place  of  something 
stronger,  to  which  they  had  been  accustomed.  As  to  my  own  habits  when 
dining  where  wine  is  used  and  offered,  I  sometimes  decline  altogether,  and 
sometimes  take  a  glass,  or  half  a  glass,  not  because  I  love  it,  but  because  I 
have  never  yet  seen  the  propriety  of  passing  such  a  total  condemnation  upon 
it,  as  1  think  distilled  spirits  most  justly  deserve.  I  never,  however,  invite 
any  one  to  drink  with  me.  As  to  other  fermented  liquors,  although  I 
should  think  it  wrong  to  attempt  .to  bring  them  within  the  temperance 
pledge,  yet  I  never  have  them  in  my  house.  Such  being  my  practice,  long 
since  adopted,  and  wjiich  I  have  never  seen  cause  to  change,  of  course  I 
could  wish  that  my  Christian  friends  regarded  the  matter  in  the  same  light, 
and  would  go  at  least  as  far  as  I  do.  More  especially  do  I  wish,  for  their 
sakes,  and  for  the  sake  of  the  holy  calling,  that  all  my  dear  brethren  in 
the  gospel  ministry  accorded  in  such  sentiment  and  practice,  I  am  sure 
that  the  habit  of  using  wine  as  a  common  drink  at  table,  of  inviting  and 
being  invited  to  drink  according  to  the  custom,  at  dinner,  which  tempts  to 
the  freer  use  of  it ;  and  the  practice  of  tarrrying  at  wine  after  dinner,  can- 
not be  necessary  or  good  for  health,  but  is  often  injurious  to  it,  can  never 
raise  a  minister  of  God  in  the  esteem  of  any,  but  often  lowers  him,  some- 
times leads  to  sad  consequences,  and  is  surely  not  the  best  way  in  which 
he  can  spread  his  own  or  his  neighbor's  time  and  money.  Wine,  even  in 
its  purest  state,  cannot,  I  think,  be  used  as  freely  and  as  constantly  as 
some  do  who  are  considered  temperate  men,  without  injury;  but  the 
wicked  and  most  dishonest  method  of  adulterating  and  poisoning  it  with 
alcohol  and  drugs,  renders  it  far  more  necessary  to  observe  the  strictest 
caution  in  regard  to  it.  So  great  is  the  adulteration  indeed,  that  I  am  not 
surprised  at  the  perplexity  which  it  has  occasioned  among  the  friends  of 
temperance,  as  to  the  proper  course  to  be  pursued  in  regard  to  it  in  some 
places.  I  undertake  not  to  dictate  as  to  the  best  method  of  correcting  this 
evil,  but  am  afraid  that  some  are  disposed  to  adopt  rash  measures.  I  feel 
confidenL  that  the  attempt  to  embrace  wine,  even  when  adulterated,  within 
the  temperance  pledge  m  our  Southern  country,  would  be  injurious  to  the 
eause.     The  fact  is,  wine  and  all  fermented  liquors  are  but  little  used 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  251 

among  us,  at  any  rate,  far  less  than  with  you.  Whiskey,  brandy,  and  rum, 
are  the  great  authors  of  mischief.  My  impression  is,  that  if  all  the  drunk- 
enness, and  the  evils  thereof,  in  Virginia,  were  divided  into  an  hundred 
parts,  not  more  than  one  of  those  parts  would  be  found  to  proceed  from 
wine,  and  other  fermented  liquors.  Is  there,  then,  a  sufficient  reason  ior 
waging  an  equal  and  indiscriminate  warfare  against  things  so  unequal  in 
their  effects?  Would  it  be  well  to  array  against  the  cause,  or  at  any  rate 
to  neutralize  the  influence  of  many  worthy  persons  who  would  heartily 
unite  against  ardent  spirits  as  a  common  and  dreadful  foe,  but  who  cannot 
regard  wine  in  the  same  light,  because  they  consider  it  as  having  the  sanc- 
tion of  God's  word  and  the  Saviour's  example.  We  have  quite  enough 
on  our  hands,  I  think,  without  undertaking  this  vexed  question.  When 
we  shall  have  grappled  with  the  monster  in  his  own  native  form,  and, 
under  his  own  acknowledged  name,  and  slain  him,  or  driven  him  to  some 
other  device  of  mischief,  it  will  be  time  enough  to  vary  our  attack,  and 
endeavor  to  strip  him  of  his  disguise  and  slay  him. 

I  am  not,  I  assure  you,  for  avoiding  a  contest  with  the  real  author  of 
evil,  in  whatever  shape  he  may  present  himself.  Though  Satan  come  to 
deceive  in  the  garb  of  an  angel  of  light,  I  would  assail  him,  and  endeavor 
to  trample  him  under  foot.  This  I  would  endeavor  to  do  without  show- 
ing any  disrespect,  however,  to  the  order  of  angels.  If  ardent  spirits 
should  come  in  the  garb  and  color  of  wine,  I  would  not  be  deceived  there- 
by, but  endeavor  to  expose  it,  without  confounding  it  with  t-he  substance 
into  which  it  has  insinuated  himself,  and  whose  form  and  appearance  it 
has  assumed. 

Let  us  in  this  delicate,  difficult  and  most  important  work,  combine  all 
the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  with  the  harralessness  of  the  dove.  We  should 
beware,  lest,  either  by  word  or  deed,  we  seem  to  cast  a  censure  on  the  prac- 
tice or  institution  of  our  Lord  and  Master.  We  may  do  much  harm  to  the 
best  of  causes  by  taking  improper  liberty  with  the  word  of  God,  and  try- 
ing to  draw  from  it  a  condemnation  of  that,  whose  temperate  use  was 
plainly  allowed.  We  may  teach  the  enemies  of  religion  and  temperance 
an  evil  lesson,  when  they  perceive  us  torturing  the  word  of  God  in  order 
to  find  out  something  which  will  support  our  peculiar  views.  I  have  oc- 
casionally been  surprised  and  grieved  at  meeting  with  essays  on  this  sub- 
ject, whose  spirit  was  not  kind,  and  whose  arguments  from  Scripture  were 
far  from  being  sound.  Let  us  not  injure  so  good  a  cause  by  any  indis- 
cretion. 

My  own  view  of  the  subject  is  this  :  That  the  use  of  wine,  in  great  mod- 
eration, of  course,  is  generally  allowed  in  Scripture,  but  by  no  means  com- 
manded as  a  duty.  All  may  abstain.  Some,  in  all  ages,  have  abstained, 
even  from  the  purest  wine,  as  John  the  Baptist,  Samson,  the  Nazarites, 
the  Rechabites,  the  priests  when  officiating  in  their  order.     Some  of  these 


252  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

were  enjoined  so  to  do,  others  did  it  voluntarily,  and  all  must  be  com- 
mended for  doing  what  was  either  enjoined,  or  for  other  reasons  seemed 
right  to  them.  Occasions  may  now  arise,  and,  causes  occur,  which  may 
make  such  abstinence  expedient.  The  very  discovery  of  ardent  spirits 
may  make  the  use  of  wine  less  proper,  if  it  shall  lead  us  into  the  jaws  of 
this  devourer.  The  great  adulteration  of  wine  may  be  another  reason,  why 
that  which  is  called  wine,  ought  to  be  more  carefully  avoided.  Certain 
descriptions  of  persons,  as  young  men,  and  the  ministers  of  religion,  ought 
to  use  it  very  carefully,  if  at  all.  Children,  and  those  who  have  once 
been  enslaved  by  any  kind  of  strong  drink,  ought  never  to  touch,  taste, 
or  handle  it.  Thus  far  I  am  willing  to  go.  But  let  us  beware  how  in 
word  or  deed,  we  put  it  on  a  level  with  that  fell  poison  which  is  extracted 
by  a  most  labored  process  from  the  best  fruits  of  the  earth,  and  whose 
pernicious  effects  on  the  souls  and  bodies  of  men,  I  am  inclined  to  believe, 
have  been  during  the  last  fifty  years,  an  hundred  fold  greater  than  those  of 
wine,  in  any  past  age  of  the  world.  Let  us  also  be  very  careful,  not  to 
pass  too  severe  a  condemnation  on  those  who  differ  from  us,  either  in 
opinion  or  practice,  lest  we  be  found  to  go  beyond  the  word  of  God.  By 
a  steady  example  of  self-denial,  and  by  appeals  to  the  good  sense  and  good 
feelings  of  our  fellow  men,  we  shall  effect  far  more  than  by  denunciation 
or  forced  interpretation  of  God's  word.  We  have  already  seen  much 
success  attending  our  endeavors  in  the  present  plan,  and  I  trust  shall  see 
much  more. 

Your  very  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

W.    MfiADF!. 

(^Oxford  Tracts). —  These  remarkable  publications  were 
issued  by  clergymen  of  the  Church  of  England,  most  of 
them  connected  with  the  University  of  Oxford,  who  asso- 
ciated, avowedly,  for  the  purpose  of  strengthening  the  es- 
tablishment against  the  violent  assaults  of  dissenters,  by 
exhibiting  its  claim  to  divine  right,  and  its  standards  in 
their  proper  construction.  The  real  object,  however,  after- 
wards admitted,  was  to  unprotestanize  the  Church,  by  so 
explaining  away  the  distinctive  doctrines  of  the  Reforma- 
tion as  to  assimilate  them  as  nearly  as  possible,  to  the  teach- 
ings of  the  Council  of  Trent.  The  plot  was  skilfully  ar- 
ranged, and  conducted  with  great  caution,  and  with  no  lit- 
tle display  of  patristical  and  other  learning.  On  some 
points,  its  authors  were,  at  first,  unmeasured  in  their  de- 


V 

MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  253 

niinciations  of  the  papacy  and  a  certain  class  of  its  cor- 
ruptions, so  providing  against  the  suspicion  of  any  Eoraish 
proclivity.  Under  the  confidence  thus  conciliated,  with 
proclamation  of  unbounded  deference  to  episcopal  author- 
ity, which  their  subsequent  practice  did  not  warrant,  and 
many  pretensions  of  clerical  power  and  prerogative  for 
the  other  orders  of  the  ministry,  something  of  architect- 
ure, and  vestments,  and  posture,  to  please  the  exquisite 
and  the  pietist,  they  so  operated  by  their  tracts,  and  other 
publications  on  the  Articles  of  the  Church,  as  to  leave  lit- 
tle, save  the  supremacy  of  the  Pope,  to  determine  a  choice 
between  them  and  the  Tridentine  doctrines.  As  the  na- 
ture and  design  of  the  movement  were  perceived,  faithful 
prelates,  and  other  good  men  and  true,  sounded  the  alarm, 
and  came  to  the  rescue  of  the  great  truths  so  insidiously 
assailed.  In  the  controversy  which  ensued,  some  of  the 
leading  Tractarians,  unable  to  sustain  themselves  in  the 
position  they  had  assumed,  apostatized  to  Rome,  and  car- 
ried with  them  not  a  few  of  the  misguided  laity.  The 
agitation  in  England  can  scarcely  be  said  to  have  entirely 
subsided.  Its  lamentable  effects  will,  it  is  to  be  feared,  be 
slow  in  disappearing. 

Such  are  the  relation  and  intercourse  of  the  churches  of 
England  and  America,  that  it  is  not  surj)rising  that  the 
Oxford  tracts  found  sympathizers  and  abettors  in  this 
country.  Their  endeavors  were  promptly  and  firmly  met 
by  some  of  the  ablest  bishops  and  presbyters  of  the  Church, 
who,  from  the  pulpit,  through  the  press,  by  their  own  writ- 
ings, and  by  republishing  the  most  approved  works  of  En- 
glish divines  connected  with  the  controvers}^,  exerted  them- 
selves diligently  to  banish  and  drive  away  from  the  Church 
the  erroneous  and  strange  doctrines,  contrary  to  God's 
Word,  which  so  seriously  threatened  her  peace  and  purity. 

The  venerable  presiding  Bishop,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Alex.  Y. 
Griswold,  was  fully  aware  of  the  importance,  and  deeply 


254  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

interested  in  the  result,  of  the  controversy.  In  a  letter 
addressed  to  Bishop  Meade,  he  writes  : 

"Yours  of  April  29th  is,  on  my  return  from  a  journey, 
"received,  as  also  the  pamphlet,  which  I  hope  will  have  a 
"good  effect  in  the  Church.  I  think  it  well  adapted  to  the 
"present  gloomy  times,  and  return  jon  my  thanks  for  the 
"favor.  Had  I  not  become  too  advanced  in  age;  were  my 
"other  duties  less  arduous,  and  my  health  not  too  precari- 
"ous  to  engage  in  controver>y,  I  should  write  something 
"in  opposition  to  the  Popish  corruptions  which  so  many 
"of  our  Church  are  introducing  among  us.  What  will  be 
"the  end,  the  Lord  only  knows." 

This  introduction  is  necessary  to  prepare  the  way  for 
noticing  the  action  upon  the  subject  in  the  Diocese  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  the  course  pursued  by  Bishop  Meade.  He  was 
at  this  time  the  Assistant  Bishop.  He  had  a  very  delicate 
perception  of  the  proprieties  of  official  relation,  and  was 
most  studious  to  avoid  everything  which  might  have  even 
the  appearance  of  interfering  with  what  pertained  to  the 
Diocesan.  In  his  annual  address  to  the  Convention,  he 
confined  himself  strictly  to  the  statement  of  those  services 
with  which  he  was  formerly  entrusted. 

During  the  life  of  Bishop  Moore  they  contain  no  allusion 
to  the  great  controversy  by  which  the  general  Church  was 
agitated.  The  natural  temperament  and  lovely  Christian 
spirit  of  Bishop  Moore  inclined  him  to  maintain  and  set 
forward  quietness,  peace  and  love  among  all  Christian  peo- 
ple, and  especially  among  them  that  were  committed  to 
his  charge.  But,  there  were  crises,  when  even  his  gentle 
spirit  could  not  refrain  from  that  official  and  public  testi- 
mony against  error,  which  charity  itself  demanded;  and 
when  he  did  speak,  it  was  with  earnestness  and  power, 
which  were  increased  by  the  habitual  reluctance  which 
had  to  be  overcome.  Such  precisely  was  the  case  in  May, 
1839,  when  he  delivered  to  the  Convention,  which  met  in 
Norfolk,  the  annual  address,  from  which  an  extract  is  here 
given : 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  255 

"Having  heard  much  said  on  the  subject  of  a  late  publi- 
cation in  England,  distinguished  by  the  name  of  the  Oxford 
Tracts,  it  would  be  improper  for  me  to  pass  over  them  in 
silence,  especially  as  one  of  the  English  bishops,  and  seve- 
ral of  the  most  eminent  clergymen  of  that  Church,  have 
expressed  in  most  decided  manner,  their  disapprobation  of 
some  of  the  principles  and  views  they  contain.  The  Bishop 
of  Chester,  alive  to  the  consideration  of  those  dangers  re- 
sulting from  the  tracts  in  question,  has  thus  addressed  the 
clergy  of  his  diocese  :  'Many  subjects  present  themselves, 
towards  which  I  might  be  tempted  to  direct  your  thoughts. 
One  more  especially  concerns  the  Church  at  present,  be- 
cause it  is  daily  assuming  a  more  serious  and  alarming  as- 
pect, and  threatens  a  revival  of  the  worst  evils  of  the  Ro- 
mish system.  Under  the  specious  pretext  of  deference  for 
antiquity,  and  respect  for  primitive  models,  the  foundations 
of  our  Protestant  Church  are  undermined  by  men  who 
dwell  within  her  walls,  and  those  who  sit  in  the  Reformers' 
seats  are  traducing  the  Reformers.'  '  It  is  again,'  continues 
the  Bishop,  'becoming  matter  of  question  whether  the  Bi- 
ble is  sufficient  to  make  man  wise  unto  salvation.  The 
main  article  of  our  national  confession,  Justification  by 
Faith,  is  both  openly  and  covertly  assailed,  and  the  stew- 
ards of  God  are  instructed  to  reserve  the  truths  which  they 
have  been  ordained  to  dispense,  and  to  hide  under  a  bushel 
those  doctrines  which  the  Apostles  were  commanded  to 
preach  to  every  creature.' 

"  To  be  reserved,  my  brethren,  when  discoursing  on  the 
atonement  made  by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  would  be  a  de- 
parture from  duty,  of  the  most  unpardonable  character, 
and  would  subject  any  clergyman  who  should  attempt  it, 
to  the  charge  of  a  denial  of  that  Being  who  has  bought 
us  with  the  price  of  His  most  precious  blood.  It  was  the 
object  of  St.  Paul  to  bring  forward  the  Redeemer,  in  bold 
relief,  to  the  view  of  all  Christians  to  whom  his  epistles  are 
directed;    for,  'God  forbid,'  said  that  venerable  Apostle, 


256  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

'that  I  should  glory  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ/  jN^ay,  so  deeply  was  his  mind  impressed  with  the 
importance  of  that  principle,  that  he  again  declares,  'I  am 
determined  to  know  nothing  among  you,  save  Jesus  Christ 
and  Him  crucified.' 

"The  tracts  are  also  charged  with  erroneous  views  on 
the  subject  of  the  justification  of  penitent  man  in  the  sight 
of  Grod.  Our  Church  declares  in  language  the  most  expli- 
cit, that '  we  are  counted  righteous  before  God,  only  for  the 
merits  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  by  faith,  and 
not  for  our  own  works  or  ddservings;'  and  the  Apostle  de- 
clares that  our  'justification  is  not  of  works,  lest  any  man 
should  boast.' 

"The  clergy  of  this  diocese,  I  have  always  considered, 
and  do  now  consider  them,  decidedly  pure  and  correct  on 
the  subject  of  the  atonement  made  on  the  cross  for  the  sin 
of  the  world,  and  also  in  their  views  of  the  justification  of 
the  returning  ofi'ender  in  the  sight  of  God;  and  I  trust, 
my  beloved  brethren,  while  we  live,  and  are  permitted  to 
exercise  our  oflicial  duties,  we  shall  keep  in  view  the  cross 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  proclaim  to  penitent  sinners 
that  'by,  grace  they  are  saved  through  faith.' 

"It  is  under  the  banner  of  the  Eedeemer  that  we  have 
enlisted.  It  is  under  this  banner  that  we  have  succeeded 
in  our  ministry,  and  our  labors  have  been  blessed.  It  is 
by  preaching  the  doctrine  of  the  cross,  that  the  Church  in 
Virginia  has  been  resuscitated,  and  that  it  now  holds  a 
conspicuous  place  in  our  communion  ;  but  should  the  awful 
period  ever  arrive,  when  we  should  be  reserved  on  the  doc- 
trine of  the  atonement,  or  teach  poor  fallen  man  to  trust 
his  own  merits  for  salvation,  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God 
would  be  withdrawn  from  us,  Ichabod  would  be  written  on 
the  doors  of  our  sacred  temples,  and  we  should  be  left  to 
grope  our  way  in  midnight  darkness.  Let  me  entreat  you, 
then,  my  clerical  brethren,  to  hold  fast  to  the  faith  once 
delivered  to  the  saints,  and  so  fully  expressed  in  the  Arti- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  .  257 

cles  and  Liturgy  of  our  holy  and  apostolic  Church.  It  was 
on  the  cross  that  the  covenant  of  peace  and  reconciliation 
with  God  was  made — it  was  on  the  cross  that  the  fountain 
for  sin  and  uncleanness  was  opened — and  it  is  on  that  sac- 
rifice once  made  on  Calvary,  that  we  are  to  depend  for  our 
present  and  eternal  happiness.  To  withhold  from  the  view 
of  the  believer  the  principle  of  the  atonement,  would  be, 
to  remove  from  beneath  his  feet  the  foundation  upon  which 
he  has  erected  the  superstructure  of  all  his  hopes — his 
support  in  every  difficulty — the  rock  of  his  dependence  in 
death  —  his  only  ark  of  safety  when  the  heavens  shall  be 
rolled  up  like  a  scroll,  and  the  elements  melt  with  fervent 
heat.  Be  steadfast  then,  my  beloved  brethren,  I  beseech 
you,  in  the  discharge  of  your  duties — suffer  not  your 
minds  to  be  influenced  by  any  novel  doctrines  which  may 
be  presented  to  your  view  by  restless  and  speculative  men 
—  be  immovable  —  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord — forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in 
vain  in  the  Lord."  (Con.  Journal,  1839). 

The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Church,  to  which 
this  address  was  referred,  and  of  which  the  Eev.  Adam 
Empie  was  chairman,  reported: 

"  In  reference  to  the  excellent  address  of  our  Diocesan, 
referred  to  us,  we  remark,  that  we  deem  well-timed  the  ef- 
fort made  therein  to  place  the  members  of  our  Church  on 
their  guard  against  the  influence  of  error.  To  resist  the 
first  beginning  of  evil — to  espy  temptations  at  a  distance, 
in  order  the  better  to  guard  against  them — and  to  give 
warning  of  approaching  danger,  are  common  duties  of 
God's  ministers  and  people.  And  he  knows  little  of  the 
weakness  and  depravity  of  our  nature,  who  thinks,  either 
that  the  orthodoxy  of  all  the  members  of  our  Church  is  a 
proof  against  heresy,  or  that  the  holy  wisdom  of  our  peo- 
ple is  superior  to  a'l  the  wiles  of  the  arch-adversary.  As 
to  those  who  publish  such  works  in  our  country,  without 
most  amply  exposing  the  poison,  and  placing  the  antidote 


258  .  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

close  by  its  side,  they  are  engaged  in  a  work  of  very  ques- 
tionable morality  and  expediency.  And  those  whom  Grod 
has  placed  upon  the  watch-towers  of  Zion  cannot,  without 
guilt,  see  the  enemy  coming,  and  neglect  to  give  the  warn- 
ing. Should  the  press  introduce  and  facilitate  the  pro- 
gress of  this  enemy  over  the  country,  may  the  providence, 
the  spirit,  and  the  people  of  Grod,  lift  up  their  standards 
against  him.     All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

A.  Empie,  Ghairmany 

The  Convention  of  1840  passed  without  any  reference  to 
the  existing  controversy,  but  in  the  Convention  of  18il 
(the  last  one  over  which  Bishop  Moore  presided),  though 
neither  of  the  Episcopal  addresses  contained  an  allusion  to 
the  Oxford  publications,  the  subject  was  again  noticed  by 
the  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Church: 

"Lastly,  that  'in  the  midst  of  judgment,  God  remembers 
mercy,'  your  committee  think  sufficiently  evinced  by  the 
fact,  that,  though  as  a  punishment  for  her  religious  declen- 
sion, and  a  warning  to  'repent  and  do  her  first  works,' 
He  has  seen  fit  to  permit  the  spirit  of  error  and  popery, 
under  the  guise  of  suitable  'tracts  for  the  times,'  to  array 
itself  against  the  Church,  yet  He  has  been  graciously 
pleased  to  save  the  Church  of  Virginia  from  the  infection 
of  this  plague.  For,  though  a  few  may  have  been  in  doubt 
as  to  the  dangerous  tendency  of  Oxford! sm,  it  has  now,  by 
the  good  providence  of  Grod,  been  so  fully  developed,  that 
the  ignorant  and  unguarded  are  no  longer  in  much  danger 
■  of  being  caught  in  the  enemy's  snare. 

"In  this  we  cannot  but  see  the  hand  of  Heaven,  and  the 
distinguishing  goodness  of  God  to  our  Zion  ;  and  this  calls 
upon  us  for  gratitude,  while  it  warns  us  to  exercise  in- 
creased vigilance  against  the  wiles  of  the  adversary.  And, 
as  some  around  us  may  look  for  our  'halting,'  and  stand 
ready  to  reproach  us  with  secret  leanings  towards  popery, 
and  with  having  departed  from  the  genuine  principles  of 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  259 

the  Protestant  faith,  your  committee  think  it  proper,  in 
self-defence,  and  due  to  the  cause  of  Protestant  truth,  and 
real  godliness,  to  say,  distinctly,  that  the  Church  in  Yir- 
ginia  disclaims  all  sympathy  with  the  Oxford  Tract  sys- 
tem, and  denounces  it  as  containing  some  of  the  worst 
doctrinal  errors  of  Popery.  We  are  obviously  called  up- 
on, too,  with  increased  fidelity  and  zeal,  to  rally  round  our 
standards  to  study  more  thoroughly  the  principles  of  the 
glorious  Reformation,  to  exercise  redoubled  vigilance 
against  the  prevailing  errors  of  the  age,  and  to  make  our- 
selves more  fully  acquainted  with  the  hydra  heresies,  su- 
perstitions and  abominations  of  that  corrupt  Church  from 
which  we  have  been  happily  delivered,  and  with  whose 
worse  than  'beggarly  elements,'  some  who  call  themselves 
Protestants  have  recently  become  so  much  enamored." 

The  report  having  been  read,  and  a  motion  being  made 
and  seconded,  that  the  same  be  adopted,  a  discussion  en- 
sued which  continued  till  3  P.  M.,  when  a  motion  for  a  re- 
cess prevailed,  and  the  Convention  adjourned  until  half 
past  4  o'clock. 

The  Convention  reassembled  agreeably  to  adjournment, 
Eight  Rev.  Assistant  Bishop  presiding. 

The  report  from  the  committee  on  the  State  of  the 
Church  being  under  consideration,  it  was  moved  and 
seconded,  to  recommit  said  report,  with  instructions  to 
strike  out  so  much  thereof  as  relates  to  the  Oxford  Tracts. 
This  motion  produced  an  animated  discussion,  which  lasted 
until  near  night,  when  the  question  to  recommit  was 
taken,  and  determined  in  the  negative  by  a  very  large  ma- 
jority. The  question  on  the  adoption  was  then  put,  and 
carried  by  a  corresponding  vote.  —  [^Convention  Journal, 
1841.] 

From  those  who  were  present,  and  who  participated  in 
the  discussion,  it  is  ascertained  that  the  objection  to  the 
report  was  based  on  the  assumption,  that  the  members  of 
the  Convention  had  not  examined  the  Tracts  with  such 


260  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

care  as  to  be  competent  to  sit  in  judgment  upon  them. 
And  again,  that  they  contained  good  things,  whereas  the 
condemnation  proposed  was  unqualified.  To  the  first  it 
might  be  said  in  homely  sort,  that  to  ascertain  that  venison 
is  tainted,  does  not  require  one  to  masticate  the  whole 
haunch.  Besides,  tastes  would  difi'er,  after  all.  Epicures 
prefer  it  when  it  is  "  high.'' 

To  the  second  it  would  be  sufficieut  to  say,  that  if  valid, 
it  would  protect  the  Church  of  Eome,  for  "  Satan's  mas- 
terpiece," as  Cecil  styles  it,  is  not  so  unwarily  contrived 
as  to  be  all  and  only  evil. 

In  the  Convention  of  1842,  Bishop  Meade  presided  as 
the  Diocesan,  and  under  a  deep  sense  of  his  responsibility, 
now,  for  the  first  time  in  his  address,  expresses  his  opinion 
of  the  Oxford  Tracts. 

After  alluding  to  the  general  revival  of  religion  in  the 
Church  of  England,  during  the  latter  part  of  the  last  cen- 
tury, he  proceeds : 

"  Such  has  been  the  acknowledgment  of  the  candid  and 
pious  of  every  name  in  England;  and  the  traveller  from 
our  land,  however  prejudiced  by  birth  and  education,  has 
been  forced  to  admit  its  truth.  It  is,  however,  to  be  la- 
mented, that  within  the  last  few  years  some  have  sprung 
up  within  the  bosom  of  the  Church,  who,  w^hile  ac- 
knowledging the  glorious  improvement  in  her  character 
by  means  of  the  faithful  and  zealous  exhibition  of  truths 
hitherto  neglected,  have  nevertheless  sought,  by  a  very 
serious  change  in  the  manner  of  preaching,  and  by  giving 
undue  prominence  to  things  of  less  importance  to  bring  about 
something  like  another  reformation,  professing  itself  to  be 
more  allied  to  the  Church  in  primitive  times.  It  is  deeply 
to  be  lamented  that  while  God  has  so  signally  blessed  the 
ministry  and  preaching  of  the  last  fifty  years,  under  which 
the  Church  of  England  and  America  have  been  so  won- 
derfully improving,  any  of  our  ministers,  not  content  with 
pursuing  more  and  more  zealously  the  same,  should  strike 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  261 

out  into  some  other  path,  venturing  on  an  experiment 
which,  so  far  as  it  had  been  hitherto  tried,  had  proved 
fatal  to  true  piety.  The  result  thus  far  has  been  truly 
unhappy,  though  we  trust  the  kind  providence  of  God 
will  bring  good  even  out  of  this  evil.  The  tendency  of 
the  system  to  which  I  allude,  in  some  of  its  doctrines  and 
usages  is  evidently  toward  some  things  in  the  Church  of 
Rome,  which  our  reformers  most  clearly  renounced.  The 
enemies  of  our  Church  have  always  delighted  to  ascribe 
such  a  tendency  to  her.  Many  j)ious  persons  of  other  de- 
nominations, not  examining  its  truth  for  themselves,  were 
induced  to  believe  that  such  was  actually  the  case.  This, 
which  has  ever  been  an  obstacle  to  the  conversion  and  re- 
turn of  numbers  to  our  Church,  has  been  gradually  pass- 
ing away  from  the  minds  of  the  candid,  and  an  acknowl- 
edgment becoming  general,  that  our  reformers  established 
between  the  Church  of  England  and  of  Eome  a  line  so 
broad  and  deep  that  fellowship  was  impossible  ;  a  line 
stained  with  the  blood  of  thousands  of  martyrs,  who  died 
the  most  cruel  deaths  rather  than  for  a  moment  assent  to 
doctrines  and  practices  of  the  Church  of  Eome,  which  some 
would  now  have  us  believe  differ  little  from  our  own.  It 
is  one  of  the  evils  of  this  new  movement  that  it  has  again 
revived  fears  and  prejudices  in  the  minds  of  many  truly 
sincere  and  pious  persons,  as  to  the  affinity  between  the 
Church  of  Eome  and  our  own,  emboldening  those  who 
ought  to  know  and  speak  otherwise,  to  use  it  in  a  spirit  of 
party,  against  our  Church.  We  may,  however,  now  as  of 
old,  boldly  affirm  that  no  Church  in  Protestant  Christen- 
dom more  fearlessly  contended  for  the  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  saints,  and  more  thoroughly  renounced  all  the  un- 
christian doctrines  and  practices  of  Eome,  and  it  becomes 
both  our  ministers  and  people,  more  carefully  to  review 
the  bloody  contest,  and  know  for  what  our  forefathers 
fought,  seeing,  there  are  those  within  our  own  communion 
who  are  disposed  to  make  light  of  some  of  the  causes  of 


262  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

the  reformation,  and  even  to  regret  some  of  the  changes 
effected  thereby ;  and  seeing  alt-o,  that  Home  herself,  as  if 
waking  up  from  sleep,  is  now  in  our  own  and  mother 
country,  putting  forth  more  vigorous  efforts  to  recover 
what  she  had  lost. 

I  cannot,  while  on.  this  subject,  but  commend  to  the 
notice  of  my  brethren  some  short  and  well  written  essays 
now  in  the  course  of  publication  in  some  of  our  religious 
papers,  by  our  venerable  Presiding  Eishop,  (  Bishop  Grris- 
wold  ),  and  which  I  hope  will  be  republished  in  some  form 
better  calculated  to  perpetuate  them.  In  these  numbers, 
while  the  differences  between  our  Church  and  that  of 
Eo«ie,  in  many  important  particulars,  are  very  truly  and 
forcibly  set  forth,  the  peculiar  opinions  and  practices  of 
the  tractarians  receive  their  merited  condemnation.  I 
dismiss  this  painful  subject  with  only  one  other  remark. 
It  is  the  most  frequent  and  plausible  praise  bestowed  upon 
the  leaders  of  th'is  party,  and  used  even  as  an  excuse  for 
their  errors  by  those  who  cannot  but  condemn  much  of 
their  doctrine,  that  the  state  of  things  in  the  Church  of 
England  called  for  some  new  and  stronger  exhibition  of 
certain  peculiarities  in  her  polity,  which  distinguished  her 
from  the  Christian  churches ;  that  those  who  for  the  last 
fifty  years  had  been  the  instruments  of  reviving  true  piety 
within  her  pale,  by  insisting  upon  the  true  doctrines  of 
the  gospel,  and  the  holy  observance  of  its  precepts,  had 
been  too  negligent  of  those  external  arrangements  of 
Christ's  kingdom,  which,  though  of  minor  importance  by 
comparison  with  the  great  doctrines  of  life,  are,  neverthe- 
less, of  great  importance,  by  reason  of  their  use  in  the 
preservation  of  order  and  unity,  and  their  value  in  many 
other  respects. 

It  has,  moreover,  been  affirmed,  that  by  reason  of  their 
agreement  with  pious  dissenters  in  the  leading  doctrines 
of  revelation,  and  in  the  promotion  of  various  pious  and 
benevolent  works,  that  there  .was  danger  of  greater  ne- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISUOP   MEADE.  263 

gleet  of  the  distinctive  in-inciples  of  the  Church.  That 
such  was  in  some  measure  the  case  with  some  of  the  mem- 
bers and  ministers  of  the  establishment,  is  not  to  be  de- 
nied, but  the  evil  was  undergoing  correction  without  the 
help  of  that  extravagance  into  which  the  leaders  of  this 
new  school  were  hurried,  even  in  their  views  as  to  church 
polity  and  sacerdotal  authority,  to  say  nothing  of  their 
heretical  opinion  and  Eomanistic  tendencies.  The  Protes- 
tant dissenters  in  England,  with  the  exception  of  the  fol- 
lowers of  Mr.  Wesley,  have,  for  many  years,  been  more 
and  more  clearly  uniting,  together  with  the  Eomanists, 
Eadicals  and  Infidels,  in  a  steady  and  organized  opposition 
against  the  established  Church,  so  as  to  make  the  most 
truly  catholic  and  charitable  of  her  communion,  feel  the  ne- 
cessity of  guarding  themselves,  and  her,  most  effectually 
against  assault.  This,  with  many  other  causes,  was  oper- 
ating so  as  effectually  to  prevent  the  evil  apprehended, 
and  it  was  surely  unnecessary  to  bring  in  another  and 
worse  error,  other  and  more  injurious  extreme,  to  correct 
what  was  only  apprehended.  Still  less  were  such  writings, 
and  their  extravagant  doctrines,  needed  in  our  own  country 
and  church,  where  so  many  circumstances  had,  from  the 
first,  combined  to  place  the  defence  of  our  principles  on 
the  ground  of  Scripture  and  primitive  practice,  rather  than 
any  human  establishment,  and  where  works  containing 
such  arguments  in  its  behalf,  have  ever  been  so  freely 
used.  And  as  to  the  danger  of  too  much  intercommunion 
with  our  Christian  brethren  of  other  denominations,  un- 
fortunately, too  many  circumstances  attending  the  efforts 
to  build  up  our  churches,  not  only  serve  as  an  effectual 
antidote  to  that,  but  strongly  tempt  oi\r  frail  nature  to 
the  indulgence  of  feelings  which  we  would  fain  suppress, 
as  contrary  to  that  charity,  which  should  ever  rejoice  to 
hope  all  things. 

I  trust  this  notice  of  one  of  those  "  erroneous  and  strange 
doctrines,  which,  from  time  to  time,  in  all  ages,  have  assailed 


264  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEABE. 

the  peace  of  the  Christian  church,  and  which  the  Bishops 
are  solemnly  sworn  to  "  banish  and  drive  away,"  as  far  as 
they  can,  while  seeking  to  promote  love  and  peace  among 
all  Christian  people,  will  not  appear  improper  for  one,  who 
has  endeavored  to  give  the  subject  a  full  and  impartial 
examination,  and  has  been  since  we  parted,  in  the  country 
where  it  originated,  and  in  circumstances  enabling  him  to 
form  a  more  correct  judgment  of  its  merits.  Let  us  pray 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church  may  bring  good  out  of  this 
evil  also,  and  by  the  examination  into  which  it  has  led, 
only  ground  us  the  more  deeply  in  the  faith  once  deliver- 
ed to  the  Saints,  and  again  revived  by  wise  and  pious  re- 
formers of  our  branch  thereof." — [_Convention  Journal  of 
1842.] 

But  his  conscience  was  not  satisfied  with  this  testimony 
against  a  system  "  fraught  with  evil  to  the  Church,  which 
could  not  be  over-estimated."  He  was  a  member  of  the 
House  of  Bishops,  and  had  a  duty  to  perform  in  his  official 
relation  to  the  General  Convention,  and  the  Church  of 
which  he  was  the  representative.  In  anticipation  of  the 
meeting  of  that  body,  he  prepared  a  paper  and  a  series  of 
resolutions  which  exhibit  his  well  matured  views  of  the 
obligation  which  devolved  on  it,  and  of  the  action  proper 
to  be  taken,  and  though  they  may  not  have  been  offered 
for  adoption,  they  are  both  presented  as  they  have  been 
preserved  in  his  own  handwriting : 

"  SOME  THOUGHTS  AS  TO  THE  DUTY  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 
IN  AMERICA,  IN  ONE  OR  BOTH  BRANCHES  OF  THE  GENERAL 
CONVENTION,  IN  RELATION  TO  TRACTARIAN  ERRORS. 

Firstlj/.  There  is  a  general  impression  both  within  and 
without  our  Church,  at  home  and  abroad,  that  the  ap- 
2)roaching  G-en  ral  Convention  will,  in  some  form  or  other, 
take  up  this  subject,  and  that  the  result  will  show  the 
general  sentiment.  Even  silence  will  be  regarded  as  very 
expressive.  It  becomes  those  composing  that  body  to  feel 
the  heavy  responsibility  resting  upon  them,  considering 


*  ISMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  265 

well  the  effects  which  may  be  produced  by  the   course 
pursued. 

Secondly.  It  has  ever  been  the  wise  policy  of  the  General 
Convention  to  confine  its  legislation  to  great  points  of  doc- 
trine, discipline  and  order,  avoiding  smaller  and  more 
doubtful  things.  It  will  be  an  evil  day  for  the  Church 
when  this  principle  shall  be  abandoned,  and  legislation,  or 
action,  be  conducted  by  the  majority,  without  due  reference 
to  the  condition  of  all  parts  of  our  country,  and  a  proper 
regard  to  what  should  be  left  to  the  different  dioceses. 

Thirdly.  There  are,  however,  some  things  proper  to 
be  considered  and  determined  by  general  councils,  and 
though  the  management  of  them  may  be  painful  and  diflS.- 
cult,  the  duty  should  be  faithfully  performed  in  the  fear 
of  Grod.  From  the  time  of  the  blessed  apostles,  when  cer- 
tain matters  in  dispute  were  considered  in  council,  and  de- 
crees made,  or  advice  given,  there  ever  have  been  councils 
of  the  Church,  before  which  certain  points  of  doctrine  or 
discipline  have  been  brought  for  establishment  or  correc- 
tion. 

Although  much  of  human  infirmity  has  doubtless  at- 
tended them,  and  false  decisions  have  been  sometimes 
made,  yet  their  continuance  to  the  present,  and  their  use 
in  all  j)aTts  of  the  Christian  Church,  show  that  they  are 
necessary. 

Fourthly.  Although  they  are  fallible,  and  our  great  reli- 
ance for  the  promotion  of  true  religion  must  be  on  the 
truth  of  Grod's  Word,  faithfully,  fearlessly  and  diligently 
set  forth  from  the  pulpit  and  press,  yet  there  is  weight  and 
efficacy  in  the  deliberate  decision  of  a  body  of  wise  and 
holy  men,  assembled  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God,  which 
ought  to  be  used  for  the  condemnation  of  error. 

Individual   bishops,  and  other  ministers,  are  sometimes 
restrained,  by  various  considerations,  from  expressing  them- 
selves as  fully  and  strongly  in  the  condemnation  of  error, 
as  it  deserves.      Sometimes  bishops  may  not  feel  the  ne- 
12 


266  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

cessitj  or  expediency  of  special  addresses  to  their  own  di- 
oceses. And  yet,  all  these,  when  met  together,  might  feel 
it  a  duty  to  the  general  cause  of  religion,  to  unite  in  a  re- 
monstrance against  what  are  believed  to  be  pernicious  er- 
rors. 

Fifthly,  Doubtless  all  the  bishops  and  clergy  have  not  on- 
ly formed,  but  in  some  way  expressed  an  opinion  on  the  mat- 
ters now  in  dispute ;  but  there  w^ould  seem  to  be  a  propri- 
ety in  answ^er  to  the  general  call  now  made  upon  them,  to 
do  it  publicly  and  in  concert,  so  that  no  doubt  may  exist 
in  regard  to  their  sentiments.  A  refusal  must  subject  them 
either  to  the  charge  of  approving  or  lightly  regarding,  or 
even,  under  favor  of  the  Church's  silence,  wishing  to  prop- 
agate the  opinions,  or  introduce  the  practices  complained 
of. 

The  English  bishops  and  clergy  cannot  do  it  in  concert, 
there  being  now,  no  convocations  in  their  Church,  but  with 
every  inducement  to  forbearance,  and  after  having  post- 
poned to  the  latest  hour,  hoping  there  might  be  no  neces- 
sity for  it,  they  have,  nearly  all  of  them,  been  compelled  to 
come  out  with  the  most  solemn  protest  against  the  pecu- 
liar opinions  and  practices  of  this  school.  Surely  none  are 
more- competent  than  they  to  judge  of  the  true  character 
and  effects  of  the  same,  and  none  less  tempted  to  magnify 
their  errors,  than  the  English  bishops,  for  every  eifort  has 
been  made  by  the  Tractarians  to  secure  their  favor ;  all 
their  peculiar  views  being  calculated  to  magnify  the  Epis- 
copal office. 

Sixthly.  The  very  important  nature  of  the  subject  s  in  dis- 
pute call  for  action.  Though  some,  in  a  spirit  of  charity, 
try  to  think  and  argue  that  it  is  more  a  verbal  than  actual 
differen'je,  and  though  in  all  disputes  between  large  bodies 
of  men,  there  be  those,  who,  on  some  points,  do  not  widely 
differ,  yet  it  is  vain  to  hope  that  there  is  not  a  wide  divis- 
ion here,  and  it  would  be  dangerous  to  the  truth  to  act  on 
such  a  supposition.     The  wisest  and  best  men  on  both 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  267 

sides,  after  many  years  of  examination  and  free  discussion, 
declare  that  the  difference  is  great ;  and  it  is  throwing 
contempt  on  the  understandings  of  the  first  men  on  both 
sides,  to  say  that  it  is  only  a  war  of  words. 

If  it  be  only  a  verbal  controversy,  who  introduced  it  ? 
and  how  great  must  be  the  guilt  of  those  who  have  thrown 
this  firebrand  amongst  us,  who,  for  the  sake  of  introducing 
only  new  terms,  have  thus  disturbed  the  peace  of  our  Zion, 
and  exposed  us  to  the  derision  of  the  world.  It  cannot  be 
that  the  great  body  of  the  English  bishoj^s,  with  every  in- 
ducement to  the  contrary,  should  have  come  forth  in  such 
ondemning  and  warning  words,  if  it  were  only  an  idle  lo- 
gomachy. It  is  confessedly  a  movement,  weighty  and 
widespread,  by  which  the  Church  of  England  is  agitated 
to  its  centre.  Since  the  Eeformation,  no  such  has  been 
felt,  as  to  degree  and  intensity,  though  there  may  have 
been  as  to  kind. 

Seventhly.  A  proposition  to  protest  against  the  supposed 
errors,  is  not  bringing  those  who  prefer  silence  into  such  a 
position  that  they  must  needs  declare  themselves  by  say- 
ing yea  or  nay.  The  bishops  and  other  ministers  are  in  such 
a  dilemma  already.  If  the  matters  complained  of  be  wrong, 
or  so  esteemed  by  us,  we  must  either  say  so,  or  assign 
reasons  for  not  doing  so.  Shall  we  give  as  a  reason,  that 
we  fear  to  offend  those  who  hold  and  practice  them  ?  This 
would  be  not  only  an  acknowledgment  that  they  are 
wrong,  but  that  they  prevail  to  such  an  extent,  that  we 
fear  to  assail  them;  or  else,  2:>erhaps,  that  the  persons  hold- 
ing and  practising  them,  are  those  who  will  not  bear  to  be 
censured  by  the  Church. 

Eighthly.  But  what  is  to  be  feared  ?  The  persons  sup- 
posed to  be  in  error,  are  those  who  claim  for  themselves, 
and  their  system,  the  most  profound  reverence  for  the  de- 
cisions of  the  Church.  If  their  claim  be  just,  then  they 
would  most  readily  acquiesce  in  the  same.  An  e;^prcssion 
of  disajDprobation  would  surely  not  drive  them  out  of  the 


268  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

Church,  or  diminish  their  zeal  for  it.  They  would  be  in- 
dignant at  such  a  suspicion.  On  the  other  hand,  as  it  re- 
gards those  who  are  sometimes  charged  with  being  less  at- 
tached to  the  Church,  such  a  course  might  serve  to  increase 
their  attachment,  by  inspiring  greater  confidence,  while 
members  of  the  community  at  large  would  be  relieved 
from  some  serious  doubts  as  to  our  soundness,  and  the 
mouths  of  some  enemies  be  in  a  great  measure  stopped. 
If  it  be  said,  that  alienation  of  the  brethren  would  be  the 
result,  we  reply  that  it  is  not  likely  this  would  be  increas- 
ed. If  an  expression  of  condemnation  would  be  regarded 
as  a  triumph  by  one  party,  silence  would  be  regarded  by 
all  as  a  triumph  of  the  other.  It  would  be  so  used  before 
the  whole  world,  and  boasted  of  Those  who  hold  to  cer- 
tain views,  and  incline  to  certain  practices,  would  feel  em- 
boldened to  proclaim  the  one,  and  pursue  the  other  more 
openly  and  activ-ely,  and  the  disputes  of  those  within  our 
pale,  and  the  railings  of  those  without,  only  increase  more 
and  more. 

JVinthly.  What  is  the  fairest  and  most  proper  method  of 
proceeding  in  relation  to  matters  of  such  general  notorie- 
ty, interest,  and  acknowledged  importance  ?  If  the  ma- 
jority-of  the  bishops,  clergy  and  laity  do,  in  their  hearts, 
lament  and  condemn  certain  extreme  opinions  which  have 
been  introduced,  and  some  new  or  obsolete  usages  which 
seem  to  assimilate  us  to  the  Church  of  Rome,  and  wish 
that  certain  books  had  never  come  among  us,  why  not 
permit  them,  in  answer  to  the  general  demand,  to  say  so, 
in  proper  language,  to  the  whole  world  ?  If  all  the  bish- 
ops, clergy  and  laity  present,  were  to  be  called  on  solemnly 
to  say  what  they  believe  to  be  the  sentiments  of  those 
whom  they  leave  behind — that  is,  the  great  body  of  min- 
isters and  members — we  entertain  not  the  shadow  of  a 
doubt,  that  they  would  declare  that  the  general  sentiment 
was  one  of  regret,  and  condemnation.  Let  the  members 
of  the  Convention  therefore,  consider  well  what  is  due  to 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  269 

the  general  sentiment  of  the  Church,  and  how  its  charac- 
ter will  be  affected  by  those  into  whose  hands  have  been 
confided  its  most  important  interests. 

Tenthly.  That  a  great  majority  of  the  bishops  and  clergy 
disapprove  of  many  things  of  which  some  are  suspected, 
and  with  which  others  are  positively  charged,  it  is  firmly 
believed,  and  they  owe  it  to  themselves  and  the  Church  to 
express  themselves  plainly,  and  those  who  hold  other  views 
ought  not  to  wish  them  to  keep  silence.  The  most  suita- 
ble vehicle  for  such  expressions  is  the  pastoral  letter  which 
is  prepared  by  the  Bishops,  read  to  the  other  House,  and 
ordered  to  be  printed  and  distributed  through  the  Church. 

Unless  the  pastoral  letters  treat  of  some  subjects  about 
which  different  sentiments  prevail,  they  must  soon  be  giv- 
en up,  or  else  be  so  general  as  to  have  neither  interest  or 
effect.  G-reater  latitude  may  be  allowed  to  the  Bishops  in 
a  pastoral  address  than  to  the  General  Convention  in  their 
legislation;  the  one  being  only  advisory,  without  the  force 
and  penalty  of  law,  the  other  under  certain  pains  and  pen- 
alties, being  obligatory  in  practice. 

Eleventhly.  The  course  proposed  is  in  accordance  with  the 
practice  of  the  Church  in  all  ages,  and  particularly  so 
with  that  of  the  bishops  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this 
country  in  their  pastoral  letters.  Whoever  will  examine 
the  canons  and  decrees  of  the  different  Churches  during 
the  earlier  ages,  will  find  them  frequently  re-enacting  laws 
and  creeds  previously  adopted,  but  which,  having  been  ei- 
ther neglected  or  disputed,  required  to  be  re-affirmed  and 
pressed  on  the  attention  and  observance  of  the  ministers 
and  people. 

The  same  may  be  said  of  the  English  Church,  in  the 
course  of  whose  history  we  find  that  it  was  deemed  proper 
at  different  times,  and  under  certain  circumstances,  to  en- 
join a  strict  adherence  to  the  doctrines  established  at  the 
Reformation,  and  not  by  any  evasion,  do  away  or  depart 
from  them.     So,  also,  as  to  certain  matters  of  outward  ob- 


270  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

servance  laid  aside  at  the  Eefonnation,  as  favoring  the  su- 
perstitions or  false  doctrines  of  Eome ;  when  a  disposition 
was  sometimes  shown  to  restore  them,  it  was  not  thought 
sufficient  that  they  were  once  abolished,  but  they  were 
again  forbidden. 

But  what  bears  especially  on  the  present  question  is,  the 
uniform  practice  of  our  bishops  in  using  their  triennial  ad- 
dresses for  the  purpose  not  merely  of  enforcing  things 
about  which  we  are  agreed,  but  also  warning  against  sup- 
posed errors  in  opinion  or  practice  which  were  coming,  or 
had  come  into  the  Church,  notwithstanding  some  differ- 
ence of  opinion,  not  only  among  the  people,  but  among 
the  Bishoj)S  themselves.  Some  instances  of  this  are  here 
presented  : 

In  the  pastoral  letters  of  1808,  1811,  1820,  we  find  the 
Bishojos  speaking  in  very  strong  language  of  condemnation 
concerning  some  who  were  disposed  in  any  degree  to  vary 
from  the  prescribed  service  of  the  Church.  In  each  of 
these  they  call  on  the  laity  to  unite  with  them  in  opposing 
any  such  deviations  of  their  pastors,  thus  endangering  the 
array  of  the  laity  against  the  clergy. 

Again,  in  the  year  when  the  question  of  the  obligation 
to  use  a  certain  part  of  the  service  was  much  discussed, 
and  the  practice  was  various,  the  House  of  Bishops,  in 
their  pastoral,  expressed  a  very  decided  opinion  on  the 
subject,  condemning  those  who  differed  from  them. 

"  In  the  letter  of  1814  we  find  the  bishops  expressing  no 
doubtful  opinion  on  the  subject  of  revivals,  about  which 
diversity  of  sentiment  and  practice  has  ever  prevailed 
among  the  Bishops,  ministers  and  members  of  the  Church. 
In  the  same  letter  we  find  the  Bishops  expressing  them- 
selves in  the  strongest  terms  of  approbation  of  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  the  concurrence  of  Ameri- 
cans in  it.  In  another,  it  is  believed  the  American  Bible 
Society  is  commended. 

In  the  pastoral  of  1820,  we  find  them,  at  the  request  of 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  271 

the  other  house,  expressing  their  opinion  on  the  rubric  en- 
joining public  baptism,  and  on  the  qualifications  of  spon- 
sors; on  which  subjects  no  little  diversity  of  sentiment 
and  practice  existed,  and  does  exist.  Their  sentiments 
"were  by  no  means  acceptable  to  all. 

In  the  pastoral  of  1823  we  find  them  engaged  on  the 
then  exciting  topic  of  Theological  Seminaries,  and,  though 
the  right  of  single  dioceses  to  such  Seminaries  was  fully 
declared  by  the  General  Convention,  and  such  were,  by 
many,  much  preferred,  the  Bishops  decidedly  argue  in  favor 
of  the  General  Seminary,  giving  it  the  weight  of  their  in- 
fluence over  others,  although  there  were  Bishops  present 
having  diocesan  institutions. 

In  the  letter  of  1832  the  Bishops  felt  it  to  be  their  duty 
to  warn  the  Church  against  any  combinations  of  Chris- 
tians, which  should  undertake  to  interfere  with  political 
elections,  by  means  of  societies  for  the  promotion  of  morals 
and  religion.  There  must  have  been  here  a  reference  to 
those  temperance  societies  which  refused  to  vote  for  such 
persons  as  were  politically  opposed  to  them.  In  the  same 
letter,  there  is  a  warning  against  any  institutions  which, 
like  the  American  Sunday  School  Union  and  Tract  Society 
(which  were  doubtless  alluded  to),  proposed  to  promote 
religion  by  avoiding  all  the  peculiarities  of  denomination, 
and  confining  their  operation  to  books  and  works  in  which 
all  might  agree. 

In  various  letters,  we  find  them  speaking  of  other  de- 
nominations in  terms  different  from  those  which  some 
would  have  preferred. 

Our  attention  should  be  particularly  directed  to  the  pas- 
toral of  1835.  It  was  the  last  from  the  pen  of  Bishop 
\yhite,  and  much  of  it  would  answer  well  our  present 
need.  It  was  written  when  the  Tractarian  movement  had 
but  just  begun,  and  yet,  probably,  after  it  had  displayed 
enough  of  its  character  to  excite  his  apprehensions,  and* 
lead  him  to  the  selection  of  a  subject,  whose  sober  exhibi- 


272  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

tion  by  his  pen  forms  such  a  contrast  to  the  extravagance 
of  the  Oxford  divines.  The  topic  is,  the  right  use  of  the 
Fathers,  as  made  by  the  Episcopal  Church,  in  which  there 
are  set  forth  the  benefits  which  have  been  derived  from  a 
proper  estimate  of  their  authority,  with  a  decided  protest 
ao-ainst  that  over-valuation  of  them,  which  has  led  to  the 
elevation  of  tradition  to  a  co-ordinate  rank  with  Scripture, 
as  a  rule  of  faith — to  the  invocation  of  saints — to  the 
doctrine  of  purgatory — the  power  of  pardon  vested  in  the 
Gospel  ministry,  and,  finally,  to  transubstantiation. 

Against  all  these  doctrines,  the  pastoral  of  1835  enters 
its  protest,  as  if  to  meet  them  on  their  first  entrance  into 
our  Church  with  a  solemn  condemnation.  By  a  reference 
to  all  the  pastoral  letters,  some  of  which  are  not  at  hand, 
other  instances  might  doubtless  be  found.  The  above  are 
sufficient  to  show  what  has  been  the  j^ractice  of  the  bish- 
ops in  time  past.  On  some  of  the  topics  introduced,  very 
different  sentiments  and  practices  prevailed  among  some 
of  the  truest  ministers  and  members  of  the  Church.  The 
censure  was,  however,  submitted  to  by  those  on  whom  it 
was  cast,  and  no  rebellion  or  alienation  took  place.  Many, 
no  doubt,  continued  to  think  and  act  as  before  on  some 
subjects,  on  which  they  had  a  right  to  think  and  act  for 
themselves — the  Bishops  not  assuming  the  right  to  con- 
trol, but  only  to  warn  and  advise.  But  if  they  had  a  right 
to  warn  and  advise  on  all  these  topics,  some  of  whicli  were 
comparatively  unimportant,  how  much  more  ought  they 
to  speak  in  a  decided,  though  calm  and  temperate  manner, 
as  to  principles  and  practices  renounced  at  the  Eeforma- 
tion,  bat  now  sought  to  be  re-introduced  to  the  injury  of 
the  Protestant  faith.  It  is  to  be  urged  that  each  Bishop, 
in  his  own  diocese,  may  deliver  his  opinion,  and  thus  the 
mind  of  the  majority  be  ascertained.  It  is  replied  that 
the  same  might  have  been  done  as  to  all  of  the  above- 
mentioned  subjects,  and  may  in  the  future,  as  to  all  others 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  273 

that  shall  arise,  and  so  the  pastoral  letters  be  altogether 
superseded. 

If  it  is  to  be  questioned  whether  the  majority  do  con- 
demn, as  has  been  supposed,  then  let  it  be  so  declared,  and 
the  honest  truth  be  made  known  to  the  world,  and  all  of 
us  will  better  understand  our  duty. 

Twelftlily.  If  it  be  asked,  against  what  the  censure  is  to 
be  directed,  it  is  answered,  surelj^  there  can  be  no  hesita- 
tion, after  the  manner  of  the  English  bishops,  to  condemn 
any  language  that  sj)eak8  slightingly  of  our  glorious  Re- 
formation—  any  lamentations  over  changes  then  made  — 
any  desire  to  restore  things  then  renounced,  or  any  dispo- 
sition to  change  our  title  or  character  as  a  Protestant 
Church.  Surely,  there  can  be  none  to  re-affirm  the  Arti- 
cles of  our  Church,  in  their  plain  meaning,  as  established 
by  the  Reformers,  and  to  protest  against  any  interpreta- 
tion of  them,  such  as  is  seen  in  one  of  the  tracts,  which 
identifies  them  with  the  decrees  of  the  Council  of  Trent. 

As  to  the  corruption  of  the  doctrine  of  justification, 
and  the  extreme  views  of  tradition,  and  of  the  sacraments 
as  seen  in  some  of  their  writings,  can  there  be  hesitation 
about  censuring  them,  and  referring  for  the  sense  of  the 
Church  to  the  Articles,  Homilies,  and  Liturgy,  of  the 
Church?  Could  any  otherwise  than  approve  a  warning 
against  all  changes  in  dress,  postures,  furniture,  pulpit  ar- 
rangements, which  may  even  seem  to  favor  the  once  re- 
nounced doctrines  of  the  Church  of  Rome? 

As  to  the  invocation  of  saints,  prayers  for  the  dead, 
purgatory,  and  such  like  things,  it  would  indeed  seem  most 
useless  to  refer  to  them,  had  not  even  these  found  apolo- 
gists, and  were  not  the  Church  reproached  for  either  hold- 
ing, or  allowing  them. 

Finally.  Can  any  object,  in  this  time  of  renewed  con- 
test with  the  Church  of  Rome,  and  when  some  of  the  min- 
isters of  the  mother  Church  have  actually  been  seduced 
into  her  ranks,  others  found  pleading  her  cause,  and  some 
12* 


274  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

in  our  own  Church  are  charged  with  making  light  of  our 
difference  with  Kome, — to  a  solemn,  expressed  determina- 
tion on  the  part  of  her  Bishops,  to  be  most  faithful  in  re- 
quiring of  all  candidates  for  the  ministry,  that  they  be  not 
only  well  informed  as  to  the  points  in  dispute,  but  most 
decided  in  their  adoption  of  Protestant  doctrines,  and  re- 
solved to  maintain  them?  To  this,  let  there  be  added  a 
solemn  injunction  to  all  who  are  concerned  in  the  prepara- 
tion and  examination  of  candidates,  that  they  do  likewise  ; 
and  then,  if  any  shall  charge  the  Church  with  favoring 
these  false  doctrines,  now  so  freely  imputed,  the  pastoral 
letter  will  stand  as  a  public  testimony  to  the  contrary. 

Eesolutions  or  Opinions  of  the  House  of  Bishops  con- 
cerning CERTAIN  Controversies  now  agitating  the 
Church. 

The  Bishops  of  the  American  branch  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  mindful  of  the  solemn  vows  resting  upon  them, 
to  endeavor  as  much  as  in  them  lies  to  banish  and  drive 
away  from  it  all  erroneous  and  strange  doctrines,  feel 
called  on  at  this  time,  to  declare  their  united  sentiments 
concerning  some  differences  of  opinion,  and  practice,  which 
have  .in  some  measure  interrupted  the  harmony  of  our 
Church. 

They  have  perceived  with  deep  regret  how  their  mother 
Church  has,  of  late  years,  been  agitated  by  certain  publi- 
cations issuing  chiefly  from  Oxford,  containing  some  things 
contrary  to  the  doctrines  of  our  Eeformed  Church,  and 
liable  to  the  charge  of  assimilating  us  again  to  the  Church 
of  Rome,  in  some  points  of  doctrine,  and  practice,  which 
had  been  renounced. 

They  have  seen,  with  pain,  not  only  that  such  things 
were  imputed,  but  that  the  effect  of  these  writings  had 
been  to  lead  back  some  of  her  ministers  and  people  to  the 
communion  of  Rome,  whereby  great  reproach  has  been 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  275 

cast  upon  her.  As  might  be  expected,  these  publications 
have  found  their  way  into  our  country,  and  some  of  them 
been  reprinted,  and  freely  circulated.  We  undertake  not 
to  judge,  or  say  how  far  their  errors  may  have  found 
favor  in  the  minds  of  any  of  our  ministers  or  people,  but 
certain  it  is,  that  the  charge  of  entertaining  them  is  freely 
made  against  many  in  our  Church,  so  that  it  becomes  our 
duty  to  declare  our  sentiments  on  the  subject.  We  deep- 
ly regret  that  such  books  or  tracts  should  ever  have  been 
issued,  and  such  opinions  entertained,  though  we  may  hope, 
that  in  the  good  providence  of  God,  some  good  may  be 
brought  even  out  of  this  evil. 

We  feel  it  our  duty  to  declare  our  entire  disapprobation 
of  any  parts  of  such  writings,  which  speak  slightingly  of 
our  glorious  reformation  ;  which  lament  any  change  there- 
.by  made  in  doctrine,  discipline,  or  worship ;  which  favor 
the  restoration  of  any  terms,  forms,  or  usages,  abolished 
at  that  time.  More  especially  do  we  here  solemnly  re-af- 
firm the  articles  of  religion  then  set  forth,  to  be  under- 
stood in  their  plain  meaning  as  intended  by  their  framers, 
and  those  enjoining  them ;  and  we  do  protest  against  that 
interpretation  which  would  make  them  differ  but  little 
from  the  decrees  of  the  council  of  Trent.  We  do  espe- 
cially protest  against  any  view  of  the  doctrine  of  justifi- 
cation, which  shall  remove  it  from  the  ground  on  which  it 
is  placed  in  our  articles  on  that  subject  —  against  the  ele- 
vation of  tradition  to  an  equality  with  Scripture,  either  as 
a  joint  rule  of  faith — as  an  interpreter  of  Scripture,  or  as 
a  teacher  of  the  truth,  coming  down  in  a  stream  separate 
from  Scripture,  from  our  Lord,  and  the  Apostles. 

We  warn  against  certain  extravagant  views  of  the  sa- 
craments, and  of  the  succession  of  apostolic  grace  through 
the  ministry,  which  are  found  in  some  of  their  writings, 
and  refer  you  for  the  doctrines  of  the  Church  on  these 
subjects,  to  the  articles  and  ofiices  thereof,  understood  as 


276  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

the  Scriptures  themselves  are,  by  a  faithful  comparison  of 
their  different  parts. 

We  would  also  warn  you,  as  most  inexpedient  at  this 
time  especially,  against  all  changes  in  dress,  postures,  fur- 
niture, the  places  of  preaching,  or  performing  the  different 
services  which  have  been,  or  may  now  seem  to  be,  promo- 
tive of  doctrines  once  renounced.  Even  some  things  not 
forbidden,  but  which  have  become  obsolete,  and  thus  vir- 
tually renounced,  should  be  cautiously  introduced,  and  not 
without  general  agreement,  lest  evil  should  result.  We 
hope  it  is  unnecessary  to  enter  our  protest  against  such 
Eomish  corruptions  as  the  veneration  of  relics,  the  invo- 
cation of  saints,  prayers  for  the  dead  and  purgatoiy,  which 
have  of  late  found  some  apologists  among  the  descendants 
of  those  who  died  in  their  condemnation. 

We  will  only  add,  that  while  it  is  our  duty  as  far  as  can- 
didates for  the  ministry  come  under  our  instructions  and 
examination,  to  sfee  that  they  be  well  acquainted  with 
those  points  which  separate  us  from  the  Eomish  commu- 
nion, and  that  they  do  most  unhesitatingly  adopt  the  Pro- 
testant views  of  them  ;  we  also  enjoin  it  on  all  professors 
in  our  Seminaries,  and  others  having  any  part  in  their 
preparation  and  examination,  to  be  faithful  in  this  respect, 
that  neither  Romanists  on  the  one  hand  may  have  cause 
to  boast ;  nor  any  Protestant  on  the  other,  to  suspect  that 
we  have  in  the  slightest  degree  departed  from  the  sj)irit 
and  principles  of  the  Eeformation." 

These  documents  leave  nothing  to  be  added  to  render  per- 
fectly obvious  his  mind  and  position  in  reference  to  a 
movement  which  had  agitated  the  Church  in  England  and 
America,  more  unhappily  than  either  the  thunders  of  Rome, 
or  the  violence  of  sectarianism. 

Bishop  Meade  published  but  little  in  connection  with  this 
controversy.  He  was  satisfied  with  securing  the  reprint 
of  such  English  treatises  on  the  subject  as  particularly  re- 
commended themselves  to  his  judgment.     To  his  zeal  and 


MEMOIR    OF    BISUOP    MEADE.  277 

liberality  the  Church  is  indebted  for  American  editions  of 
the  invaluable  works  of  his  learned  friend,  the  very  Rev. 
Dr.  Goode,  Dean  of  Eipon ;  works  which  have  not  been, 
and  never  will  be,  ansiuered. 

{Discipline).  —  Government  is  a  Divine  ordinance,  found- 
ed'on  the  instincts  and  necessities  of  our  nature.  With- 
out it,  the  social  relations  and  individual  rights  of  men 
cannot  be  maintained.  Its  earliest  action  is  in  the  domes- 
tic circle,  and,  when  duly  exercised  there,  it  is  a  salutary 
schooling  for  its  support  and  efficiency  in  the  more  en- 
larged relations  of  civil  and  ecclesiastical  life.  Without 
authoritive  rules  of  action,  enforced  by  penalty  in  case  of 
violation,  government  is  a  mere  name,  not  a  reality. 
However  admirable  the  polity  and  excellent  the  laws,  all 
are  nugatory,  unless  sustained  by  wholesome  discipline. 

Bishop  Meade  was  born  when  discipline  was  something 
more  than  theory.  Like  the  father  of  his  country,  he 
learned  from  the  lips  of  an  intelligent  and  devoted  mother 
the  moral  precepts  by  which  he  was  to  be  controlled,  and 
when  occasion  called  for  it,  received  from  her  gentle  but 
firm  hand,  the  correction  which  his  own  improvement  and 
the  order  of  the  household  required.  In  these  days  of 
laxity  and  self-indulgence,  when  parental  authority  is  al- 
most antiquated,  and  filial  subordination  deemed  scarcely 
compatible  with  youthful  independence,  such  control  would 
find  few  advocates  among  young,  or  old.  Many  are  the 
plausible  arguments  to  prove  that  its  eifect  is  to  alienate 
children  from  parents  —  to  break  the  spirit,  and  prevent 
the  formation  of  manliness  of  character.  It  may  be  ne- 
cessary to  notice  such  arguments,  when  adifferent  ])o\icj 
produces  more  devoted  sons,  and  nobler  patriots  than 
George  Washington,  and  William  Meade,  and  when  the 
dreams  of  doating  parents  are  more  reliable  than  the  in- 
spiration of  God. 

The  mature  convictions  of  Bishop  Meade's  own  mind 
were  in  accordance  with  the  teaching  and  the  training  of 


278  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

his  childhood,  and  gave  direction  and  character  to  his  course 
in  the  various  positions  in  which  he  was  placed.  It  was  part 
of  his  creed,  that  discipline  constituted  one  of  the  marks  of 
a  true  Church,  and  is  essential  to  its  purity.  As  a  parish 
minister  he  was  diligent  to  minister  the  discipline  of 
Christ,  as  he  believed  the  Lord  had  commanded,  and  as 
the  Church  hath  received  the  same.  The  record  of  his 
proceedings  in  this  respect  in  the  congregations  committed 
to  his  charge  has  been  already  made^  and  need  not  here  be 
repeated.  It  sufficiently  evinces  his  vigilance  and  fidelity 
in  reference  to  those  evils  to  which  some  of  his  communi- 
cants were  liable  —  the  judgment  and  gentleness  with 
which  he  interposed  his  official  authority,  and  the  happy 
result  in  the  imjDrovement  of  their  consistency,  the  ele- 
vated tone  of  their  piety,  and  the  many  hopeful  additions 
to  the  churches  which  he  served.  But  his  sense  of  respon- 
sibility was  not  satisfied  by  seeking  the  amendment  of  his 
own  immediate  cure.  As  a  Presbyter  of  Yirginia,  he  felt 
it  his  duty  to  unite  with  others  in  correcting  abuses  which 
then  lamentably  prevailed,  and  by  which  the  reputation  of 
the  Church  was  seriously  suffering.  His  own  account  of 
the  measures  adopted   is  as  follows  : 

"  In  the  Spring  of  1815,  the  first  Convention  under  his 
(Bishop  Moore's)  Ej^iscopate,  assembled  in  Eichmond.  It 
must  be  evident  to  all,  from  the  accounts  given  of  the  past 
history  of  the  Church  in  Yirginia,  that  much  prejudice 
must  have  existed  against  it,  and  that  the  reputation  of 
both  clergy  and  people  for  true  piety,  must  have  been  low  ; 
and  that  it  was  most  proper  to  take  some  early  occasion 
of  setting  forth  the  principles  on  which  it  was  proposed  to 
attempt  its  resuscitation.  The  last  Convention,  which 
was  held  under  Bishop  Madison,  and  which  was  followed 
by  an  intermission  of  seven  years,  had  prepared  the  way 
for  this  by  declaring  the  necessity  of  a  reform  in  the  man- 
ners of  both  clergy  and  laity,  and  by  establishing  rules  for 
the  trial  of  both.     Wherefore,  among  the  first  things  which 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  279 

engaged  the  consideralion  of  the  Convention  of  1815,  was 
the  establishing  a  code  of  discipline.  The  Diocese  of 
Maryland,  from  which  two  of  our  brethren,  the  Eev. 
Messrs.  "Wilmer  and  Xorris,  came,  had  already  been  en- 
gaged in  the  same  work,  and  we  did  little  else  than  copy 
the  regulations  there  adopted.  But  although  they  were 
only  the  grosser  vices  of  gaming,  extortion,  etcetera, 
which  it  was  proposed  to  condemn,  yet  great  opposition 
was  made.  The  hue  and  cry  of  priestly  usurpation  and 
oppression  was  raised.  It  was  said  that  the  clergy  only 
wanted  the  power,  and  fire  and  fagot  would  soon  be  used 
again — that  we  were  establishing  a  Methodist  Church, 
and  that  the  new  Church  needed  reformation  already. 
The  opposition,  indeed,  was  such  at  this  and  the  ensuing 
Convention,  that  we  had  to  content  ourselves  with  renew- 
ing the  general  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  1805, 
under  Bishop  Madison.  In  two  years  after  this,  however, 
in  the  Convention  held  in  Winchester,  when  the  number 
of  the  clergy  and  the  piety  of  the  laymen  had  increased, 
the  subject  was  again  brought  up,  and  the  condemnation 
of  those  things  which  brought  reproach  on  the  Church 
was  extended  to  theatres,  horse  racing,  and  public  balls, 
by  an  overwhelming  majority.  The  same  has  been  re- 
newed and  enforced  at  a  more  recent  one." — \_Old  ChurcheSy 
vol.  1,  2)'  39.] 

To  complete  the  history  of  this  canon,  it  must  be  added, 
that  in  the  Convention  of  1847,  when  a  revision  of  the 
canons  was  ordered,  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose,  had  introduced  into  his  draft  and 
submitted  for  the  approval  of  the  Committee,  a  canon  on 
lay  discipline,  in  substance,  as  it  now  stands,  though  with 
less  detail.  This,  however,  was  objected  to  by  the  other 
members,  and  therefore  laid  aside,  when  the  report  was  pre- 
sented to  the  Convention  of  1848.  The  canon  as  it  now 
stands,  was  proposed  by  the  Eev.  Dr.  Norwood  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Richmond,  and  pressed  with  much  earnest- 


280  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

ness  and  ability.  Though  some  questioned  the  propriety 
of  attempting  to  be  more  specific  than  the  language  of  the 
rubric  prefixed  to  the  order  for  the  administration  of  the 
Lord's  supper,  and  denied  the  right  of  the  Convention  to 
include  among  offences  justifying  repulsion  from  the  com- 
munion, any  not  forbidden  in  express  terms  by  the  word 
of  G-od,  yet  no  one,  it  is  believed,  advocated  any  one  of 
the  practices  which  the  proposed  canon  was  designed  to 
declare  unlawful.  The  discussion  was  continued  in  the 
Conventions  of  1849  and  1850.  At  the  close  of  the  de- 
bate. Bishop  Meade  delivered  his  views,  with  great  clear- 
ness and  force,  in  favor  of  the  canon.  On  taking  the  vote 
by  orders,  it  was  adopted  by  a  large  majority,  especially  in 
the  lay  vote,  and  yet  stands  unaltered  as  the  law  of  Vir- 
ginia concerning  "  Lay  Discipline." 

Among  the  Bishop's  papers  there  are  two  manuscripts, 
one  in  his  own  hand  —  the  other  an  exact  copy  by  an 
amanuensis,  designed  to  state  accurately  certain  treatment 
which  he  experienced  from  one  of  the  opponents  of  the 
canon.  It  was  evidently  his  wish  that  the  memorandum 
should  be  preserved : 

"  When  the  canon  on  '  Lay  Discipline '  came  up,  Mr. 
B.  B.  Minor  took  the  floor,  and  spoke  for  nearly  three 
hours  against  it.  Holding  in  his  hand  my  charge  on  Ec- 
clesiastical Law  and  Discipline,  he  criticised  it  during  his 
speech,  saying  several  times  that  he  had  intended  to  digest 
his  objections  to  it  more  systematically  before  he  came  to 
the  Convention,  but  was  hindered  by  other  business. 

On  opening  his  speech,  he  adverted  to  the  fact  that  had 
embarrassed  him,  that  unlike  judges  in  civil  courts,  to 
whom  lawyers  addressed  themselves,  the  judges  in  this 
case  were  committed,  and  against  him.  His  remarks 
seemed  so  personal  to  the  Bishops,  especially  myself,  that 
he  was  called  to  order.  During  his  speech  he  made  great 
use  of  Bingham's  Antiquities,  and  quoted  him  as  aflirming, 
that  the  Primitive  Church  condemned  theatres  and  such 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  281 

places,  only  on  account  of  the  idolatiy  of  them,  in  direct 
opposition  to  the  affirmation  and  quotation  of  my  charge. 
I  interrupted  him  for  a  moment  to  correct  this  statement. 
In  arguing  from  the  fact  that  the  General  Convention  de- 
clined legislating  on  such  subjects,  he  drew  the  conckision 
that  it  was  opposed  to  any  legislation  on  the  part  of  the 
Dioceses,  and  then,  in  opposition  to  the  view^s  of  Bishop 
Johns  and  myself,  adduced  the  conduct  and  opinion  of 
Bishop  Otey,  of  whose  character  he  spoke  in  high  terms, 
thoup-h  not  stronoier  than  it  deserved.  He  said  that 
Bishoy  Otey  opposed  legislation  on  such  subjects  when  the 
General  Convention  proposed  so  to  do,  and  therefore  was 
opposed  to  all  legislation.  I  rose,  and  said,  that  I  felt  it  a 
duty  to  my  esteemed  brother,  Bishop  Otey,  to  correct  an 
erroneous  statement,  which  might  make  a  false  impression 
as  to  his  opinion  of  the  subject  in  question — that  in  the 
first  place,  he  was  not  even  in  the  ministry  until  some 
years  after  the  canon  was  proposed  in  the  general  Con- 
vention, and  that,  so  far  from  being  oj^posed  to  my  views 
as  set  forth  in  the  charge,  and  which  were  criticised  and 
condemned  by  the  speaker,  I  had  only  a  few  days  before 
received  a  letter  from  him,  thanking  me  for  it,  and  ex- 
pressing his  unreserved  approbation  of  its  contents,  and 
that  he  was  entirely  opposed  to  all  those  fashionable 
amusements  mentioned  in  the  canon  and  the  charge. 

At  the  close  of  Mr.  B.  B.  Minor's  remarks,  he  alluded 
to  myself  as  being  the  main  speaker  on  the  side  of  the 
question  to  which  he  was  opposed.  I  rose,  and  said,  that 
such  was  a  very  improper  remark,  and  that  the  Chair  had 
been  the  party  assailed  throughout  the  speech:  that  I  had, 
however,  no  objection  to  the  sentiments  of  the  charge  be- 
ing duly  considered,  and  opposed. 

William  Meade. 

P.  S. —  I  also  mentioned,  either  in  Convention,  or  after- 
wards  in  private,  to  Mr.  Minor,  that  on  the  subject  of 


282  MEMOIR    OP    BISHOP    MEADE. 

Special  legislation  on  the  part  of  dioceses,  against  which 
he  spoke,  that  Bishop  Otey  was  not  opposed :  that  I  was 
present  as  visiting  Bishop  at  the  introduction  of  a  code  of 
laws  into  the  Tennessee. Convention,  when  special  legisla- 
tion as  to  some  matters  in  dispute  was  proposed,  and  that 
Bishop  Otey,  then  a  Presbyter,  was  in  favor  of  it.  I  al- 
luded either  to  some  canon  about  lay  delegates  or  commu- 
nicants, which  was  opposed  and  prevented,  I  believe." 

The  letter  alluded  to  in  the  manuscript  is  a  reply  to  one 
from  Bishop  Meade,  enclosing  a  donation  to  the  Diocesan 
Male  School,  of  Tennessee,  and  dated  April  16,  1850.  In 
it  Bishop  Otey  writes :  "  As  to  the  condition  which  you 
make,  that  your  contribution  shall  not  go  to  any  estab- 
lishment which  gives  encouragement  to  dancing,  &c.,  I  say 
amen!  heartily.  I  join  with  you,  heart  and  soul,  in  the 
condemnation  of  all  that  class  of  worldly  amusements, 
which  arc  the  opprobrium  of  many  calling  themselves 
Christians,  and  an  abomination  of  this  age.  I  resisted 
this  thing  firmly  when  our  Tennessee  school  was  founded." 
Again,  "I  have  read  your  charge  with  great  interest,  and 
while  there  is  a  great  deal  to  which  I  give  my  cordial  ap- 
proval, there  is  nothing,  which  I  now  remember,  as  excep- 
tionab'le." 

Certainly  Bishop  Meade  had  good  authority  to  pro- 
nounce the  statement  of  the  speaker  to  be  erroneous.  It 
appears  that  Mr.  Minor  thought  proper  to  appeal  to 
Bishop  Otey  on  the  subject,  from  whom  he  received  a 
letter,  the  substance  of  which  he  embodied  in  one  address- 
ed to  Bishop  Meade,  dated  July  1st,  1850  The  purport 
of  both  may  be  sufficiently  learned  from  the-  ample  quo- 
tations furnished  in  Bishop  Meade's  reply : 

Millwood,  July  15,   1850. 
Dear  Sir : 

Yours  of  the  1st  inst.  came  to  hand  while  I  was  engaged  in  the  engross- 
ing duties  of  my  office  at  the  close  of  the  Seminary  and  High  School.  My 
first  employment,  after  reaching  home,  is  to  reply  to  its  contents.     I  have 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  283 

not  only  carefully  read  it,  but  revised  Bishop  Otey's  letter  to  which  it  re- 
fers, and  so  far  from  being  convinced  of  any  misstatement  on  my  part, 
find  that  the  language  of  his  letter  is  stronger  than  as  represented  by  me 
from  memory  in  the  Convention.  If  any  misunderstanding  of  his  views 
has  taken  place,  it  is  not  to  be  ascribed  to  myself,  but  to  the  strong  and 
unqualified  language  of  his  letter,  and  the  introduction  of  his  authority 
and  sentiments  by  yourself.  No  one  can  read  his  letter  without  being  im- 
pressed with  the  conviction  that  he  had  examined  the  whole  of  the  charge 
carefully,  and  endorsed  it  thoroughly. 

You  quote  a  passage  from  his  letter  to  you,  which  says  that  he  had  read 
only  to  the  4Ist  page,  and  that  he  wrote  to  me  tha  the  approved  it,  as  far 
as  he  had  read  it.  Of  this  there  is  nothing  in  his  letter  to  me.  Now  the 
first  41  pages  contain  only  a  third  of  the  matter  of  the  charge,  and  yet,  the 
Bishop,  besides  uniting  with  me  in  the  condemnation  of  all  the  fashionable 
amusements  reprobated  in  the  charge,  says,  ''  /  have  read  your  charge  with 
great  inter  est  ^  and  while  there  is  a  great  deal  to  which  I  give  my  cordial  ap- 
proval^ there  is  nothing,  which  I  now  renumber,  as  exceptionable  J  ^  Who  could 
otherwise  than  suppose  that  the  whole,  and  not  merely  a  third  part,  had 
been  read,  and  approved  ?  Moreover,  the  very  spirit  and  object  of  the 
charge  was  to  show  the  propriety  of  special  legislation,  and  of  including 
fashionable  amusements  in  that  legislation.  This  runs  through  the  whole 
—  through  the  first  41  pages  as  well  as  the  remainder.  Was  I  not  justified, 
then,  in  supposing,  nay  constrained  to  suppose,  that  Bishop  Otey  approved 
the  main  design  of  the  charge  in  regard  to  legislation  and  discipline,  as 
well  as  my  condemnation  of  certain  amusements  ? 

And  now  in  relation  to  the  part  you  took  in  the  matter.  .  You  say,  "you 
will  recollect  that  I  only  alluded  to  Bishop  Otey  because  he  had  recently 
put  forth  a  very  decided  letter  against  worldly  amusements,  and  yet  was 
opposed  to  diocesan  enactments."  To  this  I  reply  that  your  allusion  to 
Bishop  Otey  (his  name  was  not  mentioned)  was  of  such  a  kind  that  no  one 
could  mistake,  and  his  authority  was  adduced  in  opposition  to  that  of 
Bishop  Johns  and  myself.  As  to  the  reason  for  your  introducing  him,  viz., 
that  he  had  recently  put  forth  a  pastoral  against  worldly  amusements,  I 
certainly  have  no  recollection  whatever,  nor  indeed,  till  your  letter,  have  I 
ever  heard  of  such  pastoral,  although  he  always  sends  me  his  publications. 
So  far  from  my  recollecting  that  you  adduced  this  as  a  reason  for  introdu- 
cing him,  I  stated  to  the  Convention  that  I  feared  my  brother  of  Tennessee 
would  be  misunderstood  on  this  subject,  and  that  I  had  received  a  letter 
expressive  of  entire  condemnation  of  them,  which  I  should  not  have  done, 
bad  you  prefaced  your  remarks  by  referring  to  some  recent  pastoral  "  of  as 
strong  and  lofty  tone  as  my  own,"  to  use  your  own  language.  You  were 
arguing  from  the  fact  that  the  General  Convention  refused  to  legislate  on 
the  subject,  and  therefore,  that  our  Convention  ought  not,  and  then  stated 


284  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

that  a  Bishop  with  whom  you  were  connected,  and  on  whom  you  bestowed 
high  praise,  was  amongst  those  who  opposed  it  in  the  General  Convention. 
It  was  then  I  corrected  your  error.  If  Bishop  Otey  is  dissatisfied  with  the 
introduction  of  his  name,  I  am  not  to  blame.  If  the  letter  made  a  false 
impression,  that  must  not  be  laid  to  my  charge;  for,  as  I  have  said,  it  was 
stronger  than  my  statement.  I  never  thought  of  introducing  his  name  and 
letter,  till  forced  to  do  so  in  self-defence,  and  in  defence  of  himself,  who  I 
saw  would  be  misunderstood.  Not  to  have  done  it,  would  have  deserved 
censure  from  him  for  being  silent  when  I  had  just  received  such  a  letter.  I 
think  it  proper  to  state  that  without  such  a  statement  on  my  part,  Bishop 
Otey  would  have  been  identified  with  you  yet  more,  as  to  the  general  strain 
of  your  speech.  You  labored  hard  to  prove  that  the  Primitive  Church  only 
condemned  theatres  because  of  the  idolatry  set  forth  in  them,  and  it  was 
understood  that,  though  not  attending  the  theatre  in  Virginia,  you  had 
done  so  out  of  the  State  since  you  were  a  communicant,  and  at  no  remote 
period,  and  that  you  had  even  encouraged  by  your  presence,  though  under 
the  plea  of  visiting  them  as  statuary,  those  shameless  persons  of  both  sexes 
who  in  a  state  of  nudity,  have  been  going  through  our  land,  tempting  the 
citizens  to  a  lewd  exhibition, — who  had  been  excluded  from  some  of  the 
towns,  and  against  whom  even  the  gates  of  New  Orleans  were  closed. 

Having  thus  noticed  the  manner  of  the  introduction  of  Bishop  Otey's 
opinion  into  the  discussion,  and  the  reason  of  my  referring  to  his  letter,  I 
shall  notice  briefly  what  you  quote  from  his  letter  to  you,  as  to  the  propri- 
ety of  the  legislation  of  the  General  Convention,  and  the  impropriety  of 
diocesan  legislation. 

You  quote  thus  from  his  letter :  ''It  has  been  attempted  at  several  Gen- 
eral Conventions  when  I  was  present,  to  pass  canons  making  judicial  pro- 
ceedings uniform  throughout  the  Union  ;"  and  you  add,  "I  believe  from 
his  letter,  that  he  would  be  in  favor  of  some  further  legislation  hy  the  Gen- 
eral Convention^  on  the  subject  of  worldly  amusements," 

Being  one  of  the  three  bishops  who  for  a  number  of  years  have  been  on 
the  Committee  of  Canons,  in  conjunction  with  clergy  and  laity  from  the 
other  house,  I  can  speak  understandingly  on  the  subject.  One  of  our 
Bishops,  whom  I  have  always  understood  to  be  alone  in  his  views  on  the 
subject  of  a  uniform  code  of  laws  for  all  the  dioceses,  and  who  has,  once 
or  twice,  I  think,  expressed  himself  in  favor  of  it,  though  without  propos- 
ing anything  to  the  Bishops,  did  at  length  offer  to  our  committee,  at  the 
last  General  Convention,  something  on  the  subject,  but  it  was  disapproved 
of  by  every  other  member  present,  and  so  roughly  handled  by  one  or  two, 
that  the  said  Bishop  withdrew  from  the  committee,  and  could  with  difficul- 
ty be  persuaded  by  myself  to  let  his  name  continue  on  the  committee.  There 
is  not  the  least  probability  of  the  General  Convention's  going  one  step  fur- 
ther in  the  way  of  specifying  offences  for  which  a  layman  is  to  be  tried,  or 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  285 

providing  any  uniform  mode  of  trial.  The  probability  of  this  is  less  and 
less  every  year.  If  any  advance  is  made,  it  must  be  by  the  diocesan  "con- 
ventions, not  in  contradiction  to  what  has  been  done  in  the  General  Con- 
vention, but  in  the  same  direction. 

You  quote  Bishop  Otey  as  saying,  "If  Virginia  may  pass  a  canon  de- 
claratory and  explanatory  of  rubrics,  making  certain  things  specific  offen- 
ces, calling  for  discipline,  there  can  be  no  question,  I  apprehend,  that  Ma- 
ryland or  any  other  diocese,  in  the  exercise  of  equal  rights  and  powers, 
may  pass  a  canon  declaring  that  precisely  the  same  things  are  not  matters 
of  discipline."  And  let  us  suppose  that  some  such  discrepancies  should 
actually  occur,  of  which  there  is  no  probability,  would  it  not  be  better  that 
some  dioceses  should  condemn  certain  evils,  though  others  refuse  so  to  do, 
than  that  all  by  their  silence  should  consent  to  them,  as  is  much  the  case 
now,  for  silence  is  pleaded  as  consent,  and  acted  on. 

In  some  of  our  civil  codes,  certain  things  are  forbidden  by  law,  and  pun- 
ished, as  lotteries,  faro  bank,  etc.;  in  others  they  are  not.  In  some  of 
them  these  things  are  legalized.  There  may  be  reasons,  in  such  a  widely- 
extended  country,  for  legislation  in  one  State  or  diocese  which  do  not  exist 
in  another,  so  that  general  legislation  would  not  answer  for  all.  That 
such  has  ever  been  the  view  of  Churchmen  in  America  as  to  many  subjects 
of  legislation,  is  to  be  seen  from  the  course  of  many  of  the  dioceses,  espe- 
cially the  older  ones.  I  have  carefully  examined  some  of  them,  and  found 
that  ever  since  the  confederation,  they  have  legislated  on  special  subjects 
without  contradicting  the  constitution  and  canons  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion. Virginia  has  done  so  since  the  very  first  convention  after  the  con- 
federation, for  the  present  canon  is  only  an  enlargement  of  one  then  adopt- 
ed. Forty  years  since,  at  least,  Maryland  passed  a  canon  just  like  the 
one  Virginia  has  adopted,  specifying  offences,  and  enjoining  it  positively 
on  ministers  to  exercise  discipline.  A  few  years  since  she  revised  her  code, 
and  renewed  this  same  canon.  I  have  never  heard  an  objection  raised 
against  it,  as  interfering  with  the  General  Convention. 

You  also  quote  Bishop  Otey  as  saying,  that  "Another  objection  is,  that 
specific  legislation  is  an  endless  thing,  and  generally,  if  not  inevitably, 
leads  to  the  assumption  of  unauthorized  power,  to  say  nothing  of  the  evils 
of  excessive  legislation,"  To  this  I  reply,  that  special  legislation  has  al- 
ways been  resorted  to  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  assumption  of  un- 
authorized power.  Laws  are  made  to  guide  rulers  and  judges,  so  that  they 
may  not  be  left  to  their  own  arbitrary  will,  and  unaided  judgment,  to  de- 
termine what  are  sins,  and  how  they  should  be  punished.  Neither  Bish- 
ops, or  clergy,  should  wish  to  have  it  entirely  in  their  hands  to  determine 
what  is  evil  living.  Canons  should,  as  far  as  practicable,  do  this.  The 
Church  of  God  in  all  its  branches,  and  civil  governments  in  every  age, 
have  done  so. 


286  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

You  also  quote  him  as  saying,  "  The  things  aimed  at  by  the  Virginia 
Convention  have  been  pointedly  reprobated  by  the  Bishops  in  their  pastoral 
letters  to  the  whole  Church.  Now,  it  does  seem  to  me  that  a  minister,  in 
exercising  discipline,  requires  no  higher  authority  to  sustain  him  than  the 
clearly-expressed  opinion  of  the  House  of  Bishops.  The  superior  authority 
of  the  House  of  Bishops  (I  speak  of  moral  power)  can  scarcely  gain  any 
strength  from  the  act  of  a  diocesan  convention,"  To  this  I  reply  :  More 
than  thirty  years  ago,  the  Bishops  did  in  one  pastoral  letter,  and  one  only, 
censure  some  of  the  things  reprobated  in  the  Virginia  canon,  and  called 
upon  the  ministers  merely  to  warn  the  people  of  their  cures  against  them, 
but  expressed  no  opinion  as  to  the  exercise  of  discipline.  The  House  of 
Bishops  has  ever  protested  against  the  doctrine  that  the  expression  of  their 
opinion  should  have  the  force  of  law.  The  opinion  of  the  Bishops,  and 
a  canon  of  either  General  or  State  Conventions,  are  very  different.  The 
former  is  designed  to  influence  by  moral  suasion  ;  the  latter  to  justify  dis- 
cipline. I  have  thus  briefly  expressed  my  dissent  from  Bishop  Otey's  ob- 
jection to  the  Canon. 

In  conclusion,  I  have  only  to  say  that  if  you  have  used  Bishop  Otey's 
letter  in  order  to  contradict  my  statement  at  the  Convention,  you  will  do 
me  the  justice  to  use  this  in  order  to  the  true  understanding  of  the  case. 
I  particularly  request' this  to  be  done  in  regard  to  Mr.  Macfarland,  who 
heard  my  statement,  and  to  Dr.  Empie,  with  whom  you  have  doubtless  con- 
ferred.    I  shall  send  a  copy  of  this  to  Bishop  Otey. 

Sincerely  praying  that  God  would  enlighten  our  minds  with  a  know- 
ledge of  His  truth,  on  these  and  all  other  subjects  pertaining  to  the  honor 
and  purity  of  His  kingdom,  and  lead  us  in  the  right  way,  I  remain 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

W.  Meade. 

P.  S. — The  concluding  sentence  of  your  letter  demands  a  brief  reply. 
You  complain  that  "freedom  of  opinion,  and  in  the  expression  of  that 
opinion,"  was  "  in  a  measure  denied  you."  To  this  I  reply,  that  you  were 
allowed  to  speak  for  nearly  three  hours,  while  those  who  followed  were  re- 
stricted to  twenty  minutes  ;  that  you  occupied  more  time,  I  believe,  than 
all  who  followed  you  put  together,  though  they  were  not  less  than  ten  in 
number.  You  had,  therefore,  full  time  for  any  explanation  which  you  de- 
sired to  make  then,  and  also  on  the  following  day,  when  you  asked  leave 
to  explain,  and  were  allowed  to  do  so.  The  Convention  and  the  audience, 
I  am  sure,  believed  that  full  latitude  was  allowed  you.  Your  insinuations 
that  the  Convention  wanted  the  independence  that  you  possessed,  and  which 
you  repeated  to  me  the  next  day  in  a  very  offensive  manner,  was  such  as  I 
have  never  before  heard  made  against  the  clergy  and  laity  of  Virginia,  as- 
sembled in  convention. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  287 

What  you  say  also  as  to  my  reading  you  only  a  part  of  Bishop  Otey's 
remarks  on  the  subject  (the  Avhole  of  which  was  sent  you  by  letter  from 
Charlottesville),  is  a  mistake.  My  own  recollections  are  most  distinct, 
viz.,  that  after  carefully  examining  the  letter,  I  read  you  every  word  which 
was  transmitted  to  yourself  and  Bishop  Otey. 

{Lay  Deputies). — Another  very  important  reform  in 
which  Bishop  Meade  Avas  deeply  interested  and  took  an 
active  part,  finds  its  proper  place  in  this  connection.  He 
relates  it  thus:  "We  now  refer  to  the  method  adopted, 
after  a  considerable  time  had  elapsed,  for  the  purification 
of  our  conventions  from  unworthy  lay  delegates,  by  re- 
quiring that  they  be  in  full  communion  w4th  the  Church, 
and  not  merely  baptized  members,  or  professed  friends, 
whether  baptized  or  not.  No  law,  either  of  the  General 
or  State  Conventions,  forbade  an  infidel  or  the  most  im- 
moral man  from  being  the  deputy  from  a  parish  in  a  dio- 
cesan convention,  although  questions  might  come  before 
them  touching  the  creed  and  articles  and  worship  of  the 
Church,  or  the  trial  of  bishops,  clergy,  and  laymen.  The 
strange  anomaly  of  persons  legislating  for  others,  and  not 
being  themselves  subject  to  such  legislation,  was  allowed 
in  the  Church,  when  it  would  have  been  resisted  in  any 
and  every  other  society.  The  consequence  resulted,  that, 
although  there  was  a  great  improvement  in  the  general 
character  of  the  Church,  and  the  respectability  of  the  lay 
delegation  to  our  conventions,  we  were  still  distressed  and 
mortified  at  the  occasional  appearance  of  one  or  more  un- 
worthy members,  who  were  a  scandal  to  the  Church,  the 
scandal  being  the  greater  because  of  the  number  of  the 
attendants.  The  frequenters  of  the  race-ground,  and  the 
card-table,  and  the  lovers  of  the  intoxicating  cup,  some- 
times found  their  way  through  this  unguarded  door  into 
the  legislative  hall.  It  was  proposed  to  close  it,  but  stren- 
uous opposition  Avas  made  by  some,  as  to  a  measure  assail- 
ing individual  and  congregational  rights.  It  was  discussed 
for  three  successive  years,  and  though  a  considerable  ma- 


288  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

jority  was  always  ready  to  pass  the  proposed  canon,  that 
majority  yielded  so  far  to  the  minority  as  to  allow  of  delay 
and  further  consideration,  which  only  resulted  in  the  final 
passage  of  it  by  increased  and  overwhelming  numbers.  An 
incident  occurred,  during  one  of  the  discussions,  showing 
how  the  consciences  of  even  those  who  are  not  in  full  com- 
munion with  the  Church  approve  of  wholesome  legislation 
and  discipline.  A  worthy  clergyman  who  was  opposing 
the  canon,  referred  to  his  own  lay  delegate  as  a  proof  of 
what  excellent  men  might  be  sent  to  the  Convention,  who 
were,  nevertheless,  not  communicants.  When  he  was  seat- 
ed, the  lay  delegate,  a  very  humble  and  good  man,  who 
had  never  spoken  before  in  convention,  rose  and  expressed 
his  entire  dissent  from  his  minister,  and,  as  it  was  proposed 
to  postpone  the  question  until  the  next  day,  begged  that 
there  might  be  no  delay,  as  he  should  sleep  more  quietly 
that  night  after  having  given  his  vote  in  favor  of  so  neces- 
sary a  regulation.  He  lived  to  appear  in  our  body  once 
more,  in  full  communion  with  the  Church.  We  have  nev- 
er, since  the  adoption  of  this  rule,  had  cause  to  repent  of 
our  legislation,  or  to  blush  for  the  scandal  cast  upon  us  by 
unworthy  members. — lOld  Churches,  vol.  1,  pp.  44-5.] 

{Clerical  Disciplirie). —  The  character  of  the  Colonial 
clergy  has  been  candidly  exhibited  by  Bishop  Meade  in 
his  "  History  of  the  Old  Churches,  &c.,  of  Yirginia,"  and 
adverted  to  in  the  previous  part  of  this  memoir.  He 
further  remarks,  "  That  the  ministers  then  in  the  colony 
were  men  of  zeal,  can  scarce  be  supposed ;  as  a  law  was  re- 
quired enjoining  it  upon  them  to  preach  every  Sabbath, 
and  administer  the  sacrament  at  least  twice  every  year." 
"As  to  the  unworthy  and  hireling  clergy  of  the  colony, 
there  was  no  ecclesiastical  discipline  to  correct  and  punish 
their  irregularities  and  vices.  The  authority  of  a  commis- 
sary was  a  very  insufficient  substitute  for  the  superintend- 
ence of  a  faithful  Bishop.  The  better  part  of  the  clergy, 
and  some  of  the  laity,  long  and  earnestly  petitioned  for  a 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  289 

faithful  resident  bishop,  as  the  Bishop  of  London  was,  of 
necessity,  only  the  nominal  bishop.  For  about  two  hun- 
dred years  did  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Virginia  try  the 
experiment  of  a  system  whose  constitution  required  such 
a  head,  but  was  actually  without  it.  No  such  officer  was 
there  to  watch  over  the  conduct  and  punish  the  vices  of 
the  clergy.  It  must  be  evident  that  the  Episcopal  Church 
without  such  an  officer,  is  more  likely  to  suffer  from  the 
want  of  godly  discipline  than  any  other  society  of  Chris- 
tians, because  all  others  have  some  substitute,  whereas  our 
Church  makes  this  office  indispensable  to  some  important 
j)arts  of  ecclesiastical  government  and  discipline." 

The  first  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
which  met  in  Eichmond,  May  16,  1785,  addressed  itself  at 
once  to  remedy  these  evils.  Eules  were  adopted  as  to  the 
offences  for  which  a  clergyman  might  be  tried ;  the  consti- 
tution of  the  court,  and  the  manner  in  which  the  trial 
should  be  conducted.  From  time  to  time,  as  experience 
suggested,  these  rules  have  been  revised.  After  the  revi- 
val of  the  Church  consequent  on  the  election  of  Bishop 
Moore  to  the  Episcopate,  they  were  systematized  and  re- 
vised with  still  greater  care,  and  now,  with  no  material 
change,  are  found  among  the  canons  of  the  diocese.  In 
giving  them  their  present  form,  which  differs  in  no  impor- 
tant particulars  from  that  of  other  dioceses,  Bishop  Meade 
and  the  early  associates  whom  he  names,  were  prominent. 
His  general  views  on  "Clerical  Discipline"  are  recorded  in 
a  manuscript  with  that  superscription,  prepared  for  some 
one  who  had  asked  for  information  on  the  subject  : 

"Being  asked  what  was  the  practice  of  the  Primitive 
Church  in  relation  to  clerical  discipline,  that  is,  who  exer- 
cised the  same,  I  have  looked  over  several  books  in  my 
possession,  such  as  the  abridgement  of  Bingham,  the  book 
of  Apostolic  canons,  so-called,  and  Lord  Eing's  treatise. 
The  following  is  the  result  of  such  brief  examination. 

The  government  of  all  the  clergy,  and  the  exercise  of 
13 


290  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

discipline  both  over  the  clergy  and  laity,  seems  to  have 
been  in  the  bishops.  They  usually  commissioned  the  pres- 
byters to  aid  them  in  the  exercise  of  discipline  over  the 
laity,  and  sometimes,  probably,  took  the  voice  of  all  the 
congregation  on  certain  cases. 

As  to  the  trial  and  punishment  of  the  higher  clergy,  it 
does  not  appear,  I  think,  that  any  court  of  presbyters  was 
required  for  the  trial  of  a  clergyman,  but,  as  the  presby- 
ters were  considered  as  the  senate  and  counsellors  of  the 
bishop,  he  consulted  with  them  on  this  and  all  important 
cases.  As  the  dioceses  were  very  small,  the  bishops  nu- 
merous, and  near  to  each  other,  any  bishop  having  cause 
of  complaint  against  a  presbyter  or  deacon,  would  call  up- 
on some  of  the  adjoining  bishops  to  aid  him  in  the  trial 
and  punishment  of  such  person,  forming  something  like 
the  ecclesiastical  court  of  presbyters  in  our  Church  at  this 
time.  But  it  is  evident  from  the  canons  and  history  of  the 
earlier  ages,  that  an  appeal  might  be  taken,  and  often  was 
taken,  to  a  synod  or  council,  by  one  who  thought  himself 
oppressed. 

The  experience  of  those  ages,  and  the  history  of  denom- 
inations more  modern,  who  have  adopted  that  mode  of  ap- 
peal, having  shown  how  vexatious  and  injurious  in  many 
ways  it  is,  our  Church  has  j)rovided  none  such,  except  it 
be  the  privilege  of  a  new  trial,  if  it  shall  be  asked,  and 
shall  seem  reasonable.  Such  being  the  case,  and  bishops 
being  liable  to  err  through  rashness  or  mistake,  it  is  the 
more  important,  since  there  is  no  appeal,  that  the  bishop 
should  have  the  best  counsel  beforehand,  lest  he  should  do 
injustice. 

It  is  also  desirable  that  too  heavy  a  responsibility  should 
not  rest  upon  the  episcopal  oflSce  in  this  painful  depart- 
ment of  duty,  lest  some  bishops  should  neglect  discipline 
altogether,  or  reduce  the  penalty  too  low  for  the  oifence. 

I  have  therefore  always  preferred  that  the  court  should 
not  merely  examine  the  facts,  and  report  the  offence,  but 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  291 

also  express  their  opinion  as  to  the  proper  penalty,  leaving 
it  to  the  bishop  to  inflict  a  lesser. 

W.  Meade." 

To  the  credit  of  the  clergy  of  Yirginia,  it  is  proper  to 
state  that  clerical  trials  have  been  almost  unknown  in  the 
diocese.  The  paternal  supervision,  and,  when  occasion  re- 
quired, the  "private  remonstrance,"  of  Bishops  Moore  and 
Meade,  obviated  the  necessity  and  avoided  the  scandal  of 
public  prosecution,  only  two  instances  of  which,  it  is  be- 
lieved, have  occurred  within  the  last  fifty  years.  The  more 
recent  of  these  deserves  notice,  not  as  of  any  general  in- 
terest, but  simply  as  involving  a  question  concerning  epis- 
copal power,  and  illustrating  the  spirit  of  the  bishop  by 
whom  it  was  directed. 

A  young  man  who  had  been  a  student  of  theology  in  a 
Presbyterian  seminary,  applied  to  be  received  as  a  candi- 
date in  the  diocese  of  Yirginia.  His  testimonials  were 
from  most  respectable  persons,  and  exceeded  the  requivsi- 
tions  of  the  canons.  After  the  usual  probation,  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  diaconate  by  Bishop  Meade,  who,  in  the  ex- 
ercise of  that  discretion  with  which  the  ordination  service 
recognized  the  bishop  as  invested,  licensed  him  to  preach 
the  Gospel,  and  also  sent  him  to  minister  in  one  of  the  va- 
cant parishes.  He  had  not  been  there  long  before  his  con- 
duct gave  such  offence,  that  an  appeal  was  made  to  the 
Bishop  and  Standing  Committee  to  have  him  removed. 
The  Standing  Committee  regarded  the  offences  alleged  as 
of  so  grave  a  character,  that  they  formally  advised  the 
Bishop  to  remove  him  at  once,  and  withdraw  his  license  to 
preach.  Bishop  Meade  doubted  his  right  to  withdraw  the 
license.  "Whether  authority  to  grant,  necessarily  involved 
authority  to  revoke  ;  whether,  having  given  the  license,  he 
had  not  fulfilled  all  the  agency  contemplated  by  the  language 
of  the  ordinal ;  whether,  as  the  revocation  would  be  a 
public  censure  seriously  affecting  the  character  of  the  dea- 


Si 


292  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

con,  it  ou2:lit  to  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  one  man.  The 
course  recommended  would  have  been  a  short  and  easy 
mode  of  disposing  of  the  case.  But  the  exercise  of  doubt- 
ful power  found  no  favor  with  Bishop  Meade.  He  there- 
fore suspended  action,  and,  as  was  his  custom,  sought  such 
counsel  as  might  aid  him  to  a  just  determination.  The 
opinion  of  the  Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia  was  adverse 
to  the  recommendation  of  the  Standing  Committee,  and  in 
favor  of  allowing  the  accused  the  benefit  of  a  trial.  The 
views  of  other  bishops  were  solicited.  The  following  re- 
plies were  received  and  preserved  : 

Hartford,  May  6,   1860. 
Rt.  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : 

Being  somewhat  indisposed  when  your  letter  came  to  hand,  T  took  the 
liberty  of  sending  it  to  Bishop  Williams,  asking  his  opinion,  and  that  of 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Coit  (who  I  knew  to  be  with  him),  in  the  case  to  which  your 
communication  refers. 

Entirely  concurring  with  them  in  their  statements  and  reasoning  in  re- 
gard to  the  points  at  issue,  I  beg  leave  to  forward  their  letter  for  your  con- 
sideration. 

Very  truly,  your  friend  and  brother, 

T.  C.  Brownell. 
Et.  Rev.  Bishop  Meade. 

MiDDLETOWN,  May  3,  1860. 
My  Dear  Bishop  : 

Dr.  Coit  and  I  are  quite  agreed  as  to  the  question  asked  by  Bishop 
Meade,  and  I  send  you  the  conclusion,  hoping  it  may  meet  with  your  ap- 
proval. 

1.  The  right  to  preach,  in  the  case  of  a  deacon,  is  not  communicated 
to  him  by  the  mere  act  of  ordination,  i.  e.,  laying  on  hands.  It  forms  the 
single  exception  to  the  list  of  powers  ''appertaining  to  the  oflBce,"  men- 
tioned in  the  fifth  question  in  the  ordinal. 

2.  Not  inhering  in  the  ordination  itself,  it  is  a  power  in  the  will  of  the 
bishop  to  grant  or  not,  as  he  may  choose. 

3.  A  power  thus  granted  can,  of  course,  be  revoked  by  the  grantor;  since 
it  is,  in  this  case,  his  individual  act. 

4.  But  cause  should  undoubtedly  be  alleged  and  shown ;  and  it  should 
be  either  ' '  error  in  religion  or  viciousness  of  life, ' '  the  two  things,  either 
of  which  would  disqualify  the  deacon  for  a  letter  dimissory. 

How  practical  a  result  this  may  be  for  Bishop  Meade's  particular  cases 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  293 

and  purposes,  I  suppose  we  need  not  inquire.    It  leaves,  after  all,  the  re- 
sponsibility on  his  shoulders. 
Coit  joins  me  in  most  affectionate  remembrances  ;  and  I  am,  dear  Bishop, 
Your  affect,  son  and  servant, 

Jno.  Williams. 

Philadelphia,  April  25,  1860. 
My  Dear  Bishop : 

Canon  6  of  Title  I.  seems  to  place  deacons  entirely  under  the  bishop's 
regulation  (see  Sec.  1) ;  permits  him  to  officiate  in  no  case  without  the  as- 
sent of  the  bishop  (see  Sec.  2) ;  and  by  saying  that  when  he  officiates  in  a 
parish  or  congregation,  he  shall  be  entirely  subject  to  the  direction  of  the 
rector  in  all  his  ministrations  (Sec.  3),  implies  nothing  less  of  his  subjec- 
tion to  the  bishop. 

I  should  suppose  that  the  provision  of  the  canon,  added  to  what  is  said 
in  the  ordinal,  places  the  deacon's  preaching  or  not,  at  the  discretion  of 
the  bishop. 

Still,  withdrawing  a  license  might,  under  some  circumstances,  be  an  act 
of  discipline,  or  might  be  so  regarded,  and,  in  that  case,  would  be  of  more 
doubtful  expediency. 

I  have  generally  protected  myself,  in  doubtful  cases,  by  giving  a  quali- 
fied or  limited  license. 

Yours,  feiithfuUy, 

Alonzo  Potter. 

Wilmington,  April  26,  1860. 
My  Dear  Bishop : 

You  are  more  likely  to  know  than  myself  what  has  been  the  practice  in 
regard  to  the  withdrawal  of  a  deacon's  license  to  preach.  It  would  seem 
from  the  ordinal  that  it  was  revocable.  But  if  it  has  not  been  done,  I  do 
not  think  a  bishop  could  safely  venture  upon  it  without  precedent.  The 
jealousy  of  mere  prerogative  is  very  great,  and  would  probably  excite  a 
great  deal  of  clamor  against  such  an  attempt.  Even  in  England,  we  have 
lately  seen  the  Bishop  of  London  severely  assailed,  and,  I  believe,  prose- 
cuted, for  withdrawing  Mr.  Poole's  license  as  curate ;  an  act  which  I  sup- 
pose to  be  of  a  parallel  nature. 

Whatever,  therefore,  might  be  the  abstract  right  of  the  bishop,  or  the 
original  theory  of  the  diaconate,  I  should  not  think  it  expedient  to  exercise 
it.  If  there  were  sufficient  ground  for  a  trial,  you  might  give  the  deacon 
himself  the  option  as  to  which  course  you  should  practice ;  which  would, 
of  course,  preclude  any  subsequent  complaint  on  his  part. 

Hoping  that  you  continue  as  well  as  when  we  last  met,  I  remain, 
Affectionately,  your  brother  in  Christ, 

Bishop  Meade.  Alfred  Lee. 


294  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

It  will  be  observed  that  Bishop  Williams  expressed  the 
opinion,  in  which  Bishop  Brownell  concurs,  that  "the 
license  may  be  revoked  by  the  grantor,"  for  cause,  which 
should  be  either  "error  in  religion  or  viciousness  of  life." 
Thus  adding  to  his  opinion  as  to  the  power ^  a  caution  as  to 
the  only  occasions  for  its  just  use. 

The  reply  of  Bishop  A.  Potter  is  very  non-committal. 
He  uses  the  canon  which  places  deacons  entirely  under 
the  Bishop's  regulation,  to  interpret  the  language  of  the 
ordinal,  and  "supposes"  that  the  two  "place  the  Deacon's 
preaching  or  not  preaching  at  the  discretion  of  the  bishop." 
The  canon  to  which  he  alludes  authorizes  the  Bishop  "  to 
re^wZafe the  Deacon" — ^^ to  direct  th.Q  places"  in  which  he 
shall  officiate,^^  which  imply  the  continued  exercise  of  his 
proper  functions,  and  have  no  reference  to  their  revocation. 

If  the  withdrawal  of  the  license  be  regarded  as  an  "  act 
of  discipline,"  (Bi-shops  Brownell  and  Williams  held  it 
must  be  so),  then  according  to  Bishop  A.  Potter,  it  would 
be  of  more  doubtful  expediency."  To  protect  himself  in 
licensing  a  person  who  has  not  his  full  confidence,  his  cus- 
tom is  "  to  give  a  qualified  or  limited  license,  an  expedient 
which  neither  the  ordinal  or  canon  contemplated,  and  neces- 
sarily invidious  in  practice  —  a  protection  to  the  Bishop  it 
may  be,  but  an  indignity  to  the  Deacon,  in  which  proper 
self-respect  would  determine  him  not  to  acquiesce,  but 
rather  to  wait  till  he  could  secure  the  usual  unqualified 
license  to  preach  the  gospel.  It  has  the  appearance  of 
taking  a  liberty  with  the  ordinal  at  the  Deacon's  expense, 
to  save  the  Bishop  the  painful  duty  of  declining  to  license 
doubtful  cases,  or  the  necessity  of  an  act  of  discipline, 
when  confidence  has  been  abused. 

To  Bishop  Lee,  of  Delaware,  the  ordinal  seemed  to  re- 
cognize the  power  in  question,  but  as  there  is  no  prece- 
dent for  its  exercise,  he  thought  it  could  not  be  ventured 
in  safety,  by  reason  of  the  great  jealousy  with  which  mere 
prerogative  is  regarded,  and  advised,  if  there  is  sufficient 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE.  295 

ground  for  a  trial,  that  it  should  be  left  to  the  deacon  to 
choose  which  course  should  be  pursued. 

Bishop  Whittingham,  misled  by  a  rumor  that  Bishop 
Meade  was  consulting  with  some  other  members  of  the 
Episcopate  about  the  practicability  of  deposing  a  deacon 
without  form  of  trial,  and  by  other  erroneous  impressions, 
at  last  gave  utterance  to  his  indignant  censure  in  a  letter 
to  Bishop  Meade,  which  will  presently  be  in  place. 

The  correspondence  with  his  Episcopal  brethren  afforded 
no  relief  to  the  Bishop's  mind.  In  a  letter  of  a  subse- 
quent date  he  says  :  "  I  wrote  to  several  of  the  bishops  on 
the  subject.  My  doubts  are  confirmed  by  reflection.  All 
the  bishops  generally  think  otherwise.  In  the  case  before 
me  I  determined  not  .to  act  on  the  suggestion  of  the 
standing  committee."  Under  these  circumstances,  judicial 
proceeding  was  unavoidable.  The  court  canonically  con- 
stituted for  the  purpose  so  far  sustained  the  charges  as  to 
deem  suspension  for  one  year  the  proper  penalty  for  the 
offense  proven,  and  so  informed  the  Bishop.  AYhat  his 
opinion  was  as  to  the  proceedings  and  judgment  of  the 
court,  need  not  be  stated.  It  is  plain,  however,  that  he 
considered  the  award  disproportionate  to  the  offences  of 
which  the  accused  was  found  guilty,  for,  in  the  exercise  of 
his  official  authority,  to  "  mitigate"  a  sentence,  "  if  he  see 
cause,''  he  immediately  reduced  the  suspension  from  twelve 
to  six  months. 

The  able  counsel  of  the  accused,  in  a  letter  to  him  after 
the  trial,  expressed  his  "  profound  respect  for  the  intelli- 
gence, candor,  and  firmness  "  of  the  court,  adding,  "  You 
are  more  indebted  under  God,  to  the  high  character  in 
every  respect  of  the  gentlemen  who  tried  you,  than  to  my 
poor  abilities,  for  the  result.  And  again:  he  declares  his 
"  unmixed  admiration  for  the  firmness  and  impartiality  of 
those  gentlemen  who  disregarded  all  influence  from  with- 
out, as  much  as  men  could  do,  and  tried  your  case  with  an 
eye  single,  as  I  believe,  to  justice  and  truth.     May  they, 


298  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

The  letter  is  a  plain  narrative  of  the  case,  showing  clear- 
ly that  all  the  hypotheses  of  his  correspondent  were  ut- 
terly vain  and  contrary  to  fact,  both  in  relation  to  the 
course  of  Bishop  Meade  and  the  conduct  of  the  court.  It 
did  not  change  entirely  the  views  of  Bishop  Whittingham, 
but  it  occasioned  a  prompt  apology  for  the  offensive  insin- 
uations, and  a  very  modified  tone  in  the  reply. 

Baltimore,  Sept.  11,  1861. 
Et.  Rev.  and  Bear  Sir : 

I  beg  leave  to  tender  mj  sincere  and  respectful  acknowledgment  of  the 
condescension  with  which  you  have  labored  to  put  me  in  possession  of  your 
view  of  the  case  of  the  Rev. . 

"While,  unhappily,  I  find  myself  still  unable  to  agree  in  that  view,  it  is 
with  much  gratification  that  I  learn  from  your  statement  the  untruth  of 
one  of  the  suppositions  that  had  most  force  to  move  me  to  the  expression 
of  my  opinion  in  the  case.  I  learn  with  great  pleasure  that  you  did  not 
consult  with  some  other  members  of  the  Episcopate  concerning  the  power 
of  inflicting  deposition,  'but  only  concerning  the  very  different  question, 
whether  license  to  preach  might  be  withdrawn.  The  very  proposition  of 
which  question  was  a  proof  of  moderation,  rather  than  the  contrary. 

When  I  last  wrote,  I  had  not  heard  Mr. 's  statement  of  his  case,  or 

seen  the  charges  against  him.  I  am  still  as  far  as  ever  from  justifying  his 
conduct,  or  endeavoring  to  secure  him  from  the  charge  of  grave  error  in 
that  conduct ;  but  the  more  I  hear  concerning  the  course  pursued  with 
him,  the  more  painfully  I  am  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  he  has  not 
been  wisely  or  justly  dealt  with,  to  say  nothing  of  charity  or  mercy. 

Of  course,  my  opinion  on  the  subject  is  of  no  legal  consequence.  It 
may  be  worth  very  little,  or  of  no  weight  at  all,  with  those  whom  it  af- 
fects. Certainly  it  is  not  expressed  as  having  any  claim  on  their  respect, 
beyond  that  due  to  the  honest  judgment  of  any  Christian  man.     It  would 

not  have  been  expressed  at  all,  but  for  the  peculiar  relations  with  Mr. , 

and  the  ecclesiastical  authority  to  which  he  is  amenable,  into  which  I  have 
been  brought  by  no  seeking  of  my  own. 

Very  respectfully  and  iruly. 

Your  friend  and  brother, 

William  Rollinson  Whittingham. 

Rt.  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

The  persistent  convictions  which  the  Bishop  of  Mary- 
land thus  frankly  stated,  are  in  decided  contrast  with  the 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE;  299 

"inexpressible  thanks"  of  the  condemned  party,  and  the 
"unmingled  admiration"  of  his  able  counsel.  The  con- 
demned man  respects  the  motives  of  the  jurors  who  pro- 
nounced him  guilty  and  awarded  the  penalty  he  is  suffer- 
ing. His  counsel  rises  superior  to  the  prejudices  almost 
inseparable  from  his  professional  stand-point,  and  honors 
and  eulogizes  the  court  which  has  withstood  his  earnest 
pleadings,  and  convicted  his  client;  but  in  an  intelligent 
bystander,  who  has  no  responsibility  or  personal  interest 
in  the  case,  the  strong  impulses  of  compassion  prevent  the 
conviction  that  the  condemned  has  been  "wisely  or  justly 
dealt  with,  to  say  nothing  of  charity  or  mercy." 

The  most  painful  cases  of  clerical  discipline  with  which 
Bishop  Meade  was  connected,  were  those  which  affected 
some  of  his  brethren  in  the  Episcopate.  It  is  not  intend- 
ed to  introduce  into  this  memoir  a  record  of  the  several 
proceedings,  so  distressing  and  humiliating  in  their  nature 
and  results.  Every  friend  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion 
would  desire  their  early  and  absolute  oblivion,  especially 
as  those  involved  have  long  since"  finished  their  ministry 
on  earth,  and  passed  into  His  presence  who,  without  re- 
spect of  persons,  judgeth  every  man's  work.  Unhapj^ily, 
however,  the  course  which  Bishop  Meade  felt  it  incum- 
bent on  him  to  pursue  in  reference  to  the  alleged  offend- 
ers, and  the  motives  by  which  he  was  influenced,  have 
been  scandalously  misrepresented,  and  his  character  vio- 
lently assailed,  not  only  in  the  columns  of  some  of  the 
Church  papers,  but  also  in  several  anonymous  pamphlets. 
One  of  these,  signed  by  "A  Member  of  the  Church,"  and 
known  to  be  the  product  of  Horace  Binney,  Esq.,  of  Phil- 
adelphia, is  marked  by  the  distinguished  professional  skill 
of  its  author,  which  is  only  surpassed  by  the  bitterness 
and  malignity  of  the  assaults  in  which  it  abounds,  and  the 
inexcusable  errors  as  to  facts  which  the  obviously  extraor- 
dinary prepossessions  of  the  writer  determined  him  to 


298  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

The  letter  is  a  plain  narrative  of  the  case,  showing  clear- 
ly that  all  the  hypotheses  of  his  correspondent  were  ut- 
terly vain  and  contrary  to  fact,  both  in  relation  to  the 
course  of  Bishop  Meade  and  the  conduct  of  the  court.  It 
did  not  change  entirely  the  views  of  Bishop  Whittingham, 
but  it  occasioned  a  prompt  apology  for  the  offensive  insin- 
uations, and  a  very  modified  tone  in  the  reply. 

Baltimore,  Sept.  11,  1861. 
Ht.  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : 

I  beg  leave  to  tender  my  sincere  and  respectful  acknowledgment  of  the 
condescension  with  which  you  have  labored  to  put  me  in  possession  of  your 
view  of  the  case  of  the  Rev. . 

While,  unhappily,  I  find  myself  still  unable  to  agree  in  that  view,  it  is 
with  much  gratification  that  I  learn  from  your  statement  the  untruth  of 
one  of  the  suppositions  that  had  most  force  to  move  me  to  the  expression 
of  my  opinion  in  the  case.  I  learn  with  great  pleasure  that  you  did  not 
consult  with  some  other  members  of  the  Episcopate  concerning  the  power 
of  inflicting  deposition,  but  only  concerning  the  very  different  question, 
whether  license  to  preach  might  be  withdrawn.  The  very  proposition  of 
which  question  was  a  proof  of  moderation,  rather  than  the  contrary. 

When  I  last  wrote,  I  had  not  heard  Mr. 's  statement  of  his  case,  or 

seen  the  charges  against  him.  I  am  still  as  far  as  ever  from  justifying  his 
conduct,  or  endeavoring  to  secure  him  from  the  charge  of  grave  error  in 
that  conduct ;  but  the  more  I  hear  concerning  the  course  pursued  with 
him,  the  more  painfully  I  am  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  he  has  not 
been  wisely  or  justly  dealt  with,  to  say  nothing  of  charity  or  mercy. 

Of  course,  my  opinion  on  the  subject  is  of  no  legal  consequence.  It 
may  be  worth  very  little,  or  of  no  weight  at  all,  with  those  whom  it  af- 
fects. Certainly  it  is  not  expressed  as  having  any  claim  on  their  respect, 
beyond  that  due  to  the  honest  judgment  of  any  Christian  man.     It  would 

not  have  been  expressed  at  all,  but  for  the  peculiar  relations  with  Mr. , 

and  the  ecclesiastical  authority  to  which  he  is  amenable,  into  which  I  have 
been  brought  by  no  seeking  of  my  own. 

Very  respectfully  and  truly, 

Your  friend  and  brother, 

William  Rollinson  Whittingham. 

Rt.  Rev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Virginia. 

The  persistent  convictions  which  the  Bishop  of  Mary- 
land thus  frankly  stated,  are  in  decided  contrast  with  the 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE;  299 

"inexpressible  thanks"  of  the  condemned  party,  and  the 
"unmingled  admiration"  of  his  able  counsel.  The  con- 
demned man  respects  the  motives  of  the  jurors  who  pro- 
nounced him  guilty  and  awarded  the  penalty  he  is  suffer- 
ing. His  counsel  rises  superior  to  the  prejudices  almost 
inseparable  from  his  professional  stand-point,  and  honors 
and  eulogizes  the  court  which  has  withstood  his  earnest 
pleadings,  and  convicted  his  client;  but  in  an  intelligent 
bystander,  who  has  no  responsibility  or  personal  interest 
in  the  case,  the  strong  impulses  of  compassion  prevent  the 
conviction  that  the  condemned  has  been  "wisely  or  justly 
dealt  with,  to  say  nothing  of  charity  or  mercy." 

The  most  painful  cases  of  clerical  discipline  with  which 
Bishop  Meade  was  connected,  were  those  which  affected 
some  of  his  brethren  in  the  Episcopate.  It  is  not  intend- 
ed to  introduce  into  this  memoir  a  record  of  the  several 
proceedings,  so  distressing  and  humiliating  in  their  nature 
and  results.  Every  friend  of  ])UYe  and  undefiled  religion 
would  desire  their  early  and  absolute  oblivion,  especially 
as  those  involved  have  long  since*  finished  their  ministry 
on  earth,  and  passed  into  His  presence  who,  without  re- 
8])Qct  of  persons,  judgeth  every  man's  work.  Unhappily, 
however,  the  course  which  Eishop  Meade  felt  it  incum- 
bent on  him  to  pursue  in  reference  to  the  alleged  offend- 
ers, and  the  motives  by  which  he  was  influenced,  have 
been  scandalously  misrepresented,  and  his  character  vio- 
lently assailed,  not  only  in  the  columns  of  some  of  the 
Church  papers,  but  also  in  several  anonymous  pamphlets. 
One  of  these,  signed  by  "A  Member  of  the  Church,"  and 
known  to  be  the  product  of  Horace  Binney,  Esq.,  of  Phil- 
adelphia, is  marked  by  the  distinguished  professional  skill 
of  its  author,  which  is_  only  surpassed  by  the  bitterness 
and  malignity  of  the  assaults  in  which  it  abounds,  and  the 
inexcusable  errors  as  to  facts  which  the  obviously  extraor- 
dinary prepossessions  of  the  writer  determined  him  to 


300  MEMOIR   OF  BISHOP   MEADE. 

publish  *  These  harsh  and  reproachful  accusations  may 
be  reproduced  at  a  future  day,  when  the  facilities  for  ex- 
posing their  injustice  and  falsehood  might  not  be  availa- 
ble. It  is  due  to  the  memory  of  Bishop  Meade  that  they 
should  be  considered  and  corrected  here,  and  that  his  true 
mind  and  action  in  those  lamentable  cases  should  be  satis- 
factorily ascertained.  If,  in  accomplishing  this,  there 
shall  be  found  any  statement  unfavorable  to  others,  it  is 
hoped  that  their  introduction  will  not  be  imputed  to  the 
odious  purpose  of  clouding  their  character,  but  to  the  ob- 
ligation which  truth  and  justice  impose,  to  vindicate  the 
course  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir. 

1.  With  the  case  of  Bishop  Henry  TJ.  Onderdonk,  of 
Pennsylvania,  Bishop  Meade  had  nothing  to  do  till  it  was 
before  the  House  of  Bishops  for  final  adjudication.  This 
will  appear  from  his  own  printed  statements,  from  which 
the  following  representation  is  derived : 

"In  the  year  1844,  the  Bishops  were  grieved  to  find 
from  the  public  papers,  that  the  rumors  which  had  been 
afloat  for  some  years,  had  assumed  so  serious  a  character 
as  to  have  led  the  clergy  of  the  Diocese  (Pennsylvania), 
to  the  number  of  sixty-eight,  at  the  annual  Convention,  to 
confer  with  their  bishop  on  the  subject;  and  that  in  con- 
sequence of  it,  he  had  tendered  the  resignation  of  his  dio- 
cese. After  the  resignation  had  been  accepted  by  the 
Convention,  leave  was  asked  to  withdraw  it.  This  was 
refused  by  a  vote  of  fifty-one  of  the  clergy  and  fifty- five 
of  the  laity  in  the  negative,  and  thirteen  of  the  clergy  and 
five  of  the  laity  in  the  affirmative.  The  Bishops  read  with 
pain  his  account  and  excuse  for  a  habit  which  had  occa- 
sioned so  much  unhappiness  and  scandal.  They  read  also 
his  endeavor  to  withdraw  the  proffered  resignation.     In  a 

*  Extract  of  a  letter  from  Bishop  Meade  to  Dr.  Anthon,  dated  "Mill- 
wood, Dec.  12, 1854"  :  '/Mr.  Binney  is  out  again  in  a  huge  pamphlet,  of  his 
usual  acerbity.  I  shall  not  reply  to  the  part  devoted  to  myself,  especially 
as  he  intimates  that  he  will  not  notice  me  further." 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  301 

short  time  they  came  together  in  General  Convention  dis- 
tressed and  perplexed.  There  was  no  canon  for  the  trial 
of  a  bishop,  except  one  or  two  short  sections,  hastily 
drawn  up  at  the  last  General  Convention,  and  which  could 
only  be  regarded  as  setting  forth  the  main  principles  on 
which  one  should  be  hereafter  framed.  Neither  three 
Bishops  nor  any  Diocesan  Convention  could  think  of  mak- 
ing a  presentation  under  such  a  canon,  destitute,  as  it  was, 
of  any  directions  or  provisions  for  carrying  it  into  execu- 
tion. It  was,  however,  soon  understood  that  Bishop  On- 
derdonk  would  not  only  resign  his  Diocese,  but  submit 
himself  to  such  sentence  as  the  Bishops  should  think  fit  to 
inflict.  Two  or  more  of  the  Bishops  had  friendly  confer- 
ence with  him  of  their  own  accord,  and  not  by  any  direc- 
tion from  the  rest.  After  some  time,  three  letters  were 
agreed  on  between  them,  and  were  presented  to  the  House 
of  Bishops.  In  the  first  of  them,  dated  October  4th,  he 
declares  that  the  Convention  of  his  Diocese  having  failed 
to  investigate  or  present  under  the  canon  then  existing, 
though  invited  so  to  do  on  a  certain  contingency,  he  was 
free,  and  that,  in  honor  and  morals,  no  others  could  pre- 
sent— evidently  denying  that  three  bishops  could,  after 
that,  present  him  for  trial;  and,  in  the  close  of  his  letter, 
he  calls  for  an  investigation  of  the  question  whether  he 
had  resigned  or  not.  In  the  second  letter,  dated  4th  of 
October,  he  makes  a  certain  acknowledgment,  and  sub- 
mits himself  to  the  judgment  of  the  Bishops.  In  the 
third,  of  October  19th,  he  resigns  his  diocese.  The  Bish- 
ops were  pleased  to  think  that  a  mode  of  action  was  thus 
proposed  to  them  which  might  answer  the  end  of  disci- 
pline without  trial,  viz.,  by  accepting  the  resignation  of  his 
Diocese,  and  inflicting  such  penalty  as  should  seem  proj)er 
to  them." 

On  the  journal  of  the  House  of  Bishops  (1844,  October 
19th)  the  following  record  is  found  : 

"  Bishop  Ives  presented  to  the  House  certain  communi- 


302  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

cations  from  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania;"  whereupon,  on 
motion  of  Bishop  DeLancey, 

^^Eesolved,  That  the  said  communications  be  referred  to 
Bishops  Chase,  Brownell,  Meade,  Ives  and  Hopkins."  In 
the  Journal  of  the  21st,  the  report  of  the  committee  is 
recorded. 

"  The  committee  appointed  upon  the  resignation  of  the 
Eight  Eev.  H.  U.  Onderdonk,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese 
of  Pennsylvania,  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following 
resolutions: 

Whereas,  the  Eight  Eev.  Henry  Ustick  Onderdonk,  D. 
D.,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Pennsylvania,  has  made 
known  in  writing  to  the  House  of  Bishops  his  desire  to 
resign  his  jurisdiction  of  the  said  Diocese,  with  the  reasons 
moving  him  thereto,  and  has  tendered  to  this  House  his 
resignation  of  the  said  Diocese ;  and  whereas,  the  House 
of  Bishops  having^made  investigation  of  the  said  reasons, 
and  of  the  facts  and  circumstances  of  the  case,  deem  it 
expedient  to  accept  the  said  resignation  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  House  of  Bishops  accept  the  resigna- 
tion of  the  Episcopal  Jurisdiction  of  the  Diocese  of  Penn- 
sylvania, made  by  the  Eight  Eev.  Henry  Ustick  Onder- 
donk, D:  D.,  and  hereby  declare  that  from  and  after  this 
21st  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  fortj^-four,  he  is  no  longer  Bishop  of 
said  Diocese.    And  further 

Resolved,  That  the,  foregoing  resolutions  be  duly  record- 
ed on  the  journal  of  this  House,  and  that  information  of 
the  same  be  communicated  to  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies." 

The  documents  connected  with  the  case  of  the  Eight 
Eev.  Henry  Ustick  Onderdonk,  D.  D.,  having  been  called 
up,  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  proposed, 
considered  and  adopted : 

Whereas,  This  House  has  heard  with  pain  and  sorrow  of 
heart,  the  communication  addressed  to  it  by  the  Eight 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  303 

Eeverend  Henry  Ustick  Onderdonk,  D.  D.,  in  which  he 
acknowledges  the  habitual  use  of  spiritous  liquor  as  a 
remedy  for  disease,  to  a  degree  which  has  been  the  occa- 
sion of  unfavorable  imputations  upon  the  Church,  and 
brought  upon  him  an  evil  report  among  men. 

And  whereas,  This  House,  as  well  by  the  tenor  of  the 
communications  of  the  said  Eight  Eev.  Henry  Ustick  On- 
derdonk, D.  D.,  as  by  the  investigation  of  the  facts  and 
circumstances  of  his  case,  which  have  now  been  made,  is 
well  assured  that  the  usefulness  of  the  said  Eight  Eev. 
Henry  Ustick  Onderdonk,  D.  D.,  in  the  office  and  work  of 
the  ministry  has  ceased,  and  that  the  reproach  and  injury 
which  he  has  been  the  means  of  bringing  upon  the  Church 
of  Christ  require  the  administration  of  discipline  in  the 
premises ; 

And  whereas,  The  said  Eight  Eev.  Henry  Ustick  On- 
derdonk, D.  D.,  has  requested  of  this  House  such  an  act 
of  discipline  as,  in  the  judgment  of  the  said  House,  is 
proper ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Eight  Eeverend  Henry  Ustick  On- 
derdonk, D.  D.,  having  made  to  this  House  a  written  ac- 
knowledgment of  his  unworthiness,  this  House  does  now 
determine  that  he  be  suspended  from  his  office,  and  that 
the  Presiding  Bishop,  in  the  presence  of  this  House,  shall 
pronounce  the  following  sentence,  viz. : 

Sentence  :  The  Eight  Eeverend  Henry  Ustick  Onder- 
donk, Doctor  in  Divinity,  having  acknowledged  himself 
the  cause  of  reproach  and  injury  to  the  Church,  and  hav- 
ing submitted  himself  to  the  judgment  of  the  House  of 
Bishops,  in  General  Convention  assembled,  the  said  House 
does  hereby  adjudge  that  the  said  Henry  Ustick  Onder- 
donk, Doctor  in  Divinity,  be  suspended  from  all  public  ex- 
ercise of  the  offices  and  functions  of  the  sacred  ministry, 
and  in  particular  from  all  exercise  whatever  of  the  office 
and  work  of  a  Bishop  in  the  Church  of  God  ;  and  does  ac- 
cordingly so  suspend  the  said  Henry  Ustick  Onderdonk, 


304  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

Doctor  in  Divinity,  and  declare  him  suspended  from  and 
after  this  twenty-first  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty -four,  from  all 
public  exercise  of  the  office  and  functions  of  the  sacred 
ministry,  and  from  all  exercise  whatsoever  of  the  ofiice 
and  work  of  a  Bishop  in  the  Church  of  God  ;  in  the  name 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Amen. 

The  Presiding  Eishop  then,  in  the  presence  of  the 
Bishojps,  pronounced  the  above  sentence. 

On  motion  of  Bishop  DeLancey,  seconded  by  Bishop 
"Whittingham, 

Hesolved,  That  the  documents  connected  with  the  case 
of  the  Eight  Eev.  Henry  Ustick  Onderdonk,  D.  D.,  be 
placed  on  file." —  Journal  General  Convention,  1844. 

Among  the  documents  in  the  case  there  is  one  in  the 
keeping  of  the  I^egistrar  of  the  Church,  and  which,  in  a 
letter  on  the  subject  to  Bishop  Meade,  he  designates  "No. 
4,  A  communication  from  several  clergymen  to  the  House 
of  Bishops,  19th  October,  1844,  enclosing  a  printed  state- 
ment." The  following  is  the  communication  from  several 
clergymen : 

"  To  the  Eight  Rev.  Bishop  Chase,  Presiding  Bishop. 

October  19,  1844. 
Rt.  Rev.  Sir  : 

.  We,  tlie  undersigned,  a  committee  of  the  clergy  of  the  Diocese  of  Penn- 
sylvania, beg  leave  to  transmit  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  through  you,  the 
document  enclosed,  with  the  respectful  request  that  it  be  laid  before  them 
forthwith,  and  read  at  such  time  as  they  may  think  proper.  Its  authenti- 
city rests  upon  the  responsibility  of  our  names. 

Most  respectfully  and  affectionately. 

Your  sons  in  the  Gospel, 

J.  Bowman, 
J.  C.  Clay, 
h.  w.  ducachet, 
John  Coleman. 

The  "  printed  statement "  sets  forth  the  offences  with 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  305 

wliich  the  Bishop  was  charged,  consisting  not  only  of  those 
which  came  under  the  head  of  intemperate  use  of  spirit- 
ous  liquors,  but  also  of  others  of  a  different  character,  and 
causing  even  greater  scandal ;  and  further,  that  evidence 
to  sustain  the  charges  was  ready  to  be  furnished  if  wanted. 

At  the  date  of  the  letter  from  the  clergy,  great  anxiety 
and  painful  suspense  existed  in  the  minds  of  some  as  to 
the  issue  of  the  negotiations  which  were  going  on.  It 
was  apprehended  that  the  Bishop  might,  after  all,  decline 
tendering  his  resignation  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  and,  as 
the  Church's  consent  was  necessary  to  its  consummation,  he 
would  still  be  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania.  For  such  exi- 
gency the  printed  statement  was  intended  to  provide,  by 
furnishing  information  which  would  leave  no  alternative 
but  presentment  and  trial.  A  copy  of  the  statement  was 
*  sent  for  each  Bishop.  None  seems  to  have  been  received 
except  that  which  was  transmitted  to  the  Presiding 
Bishop,  and  this  not  until  the  proceedings  in  the  case  had 
advanced  so  far  as  to  render  it  inexpedient  to  have  it  read. 
It  was  simply  consigned  with  the  other  documents  to  the 
keeping  of  the  registrar.  Had  it  reached  the  Bishops,  as 
was  designed,  it  must  have  determined  their  action  differ- 
ently, by  showing  the  necessity  of  a  thorough  judicial  in- 
vestigation. 

Such  is  a  brief  representation  of  Bishop  Meade's  agency 
in  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania.  In  one  of  his 
pamphlets,  after  mentioning  a  conversation  on  the  subject 
with  Bishops  G-riswold,  Ives  and  Whittingham,  in  Ptich- 
moad,  at  the  consecration  of  Bishop  Johns,  October,  1842, 
he  writes  :  "I  am  confident,  also,  that  from  that  time  until 
the  whole  matter  was  ^proclaimed  to  the  world  by  the 
action  of  the  Bishop  and  Convention  of  Penns3''lvania,  I 
never  made  any  communication  to,  or  received  any  com- 
munication from  any  Bishop  in  the  Church.  During  all 
that  time — eighteen  months — I  continued  silent  and  in- 
active, when,  perhaps,  I  ought  not  to  have  been.     Nor 


306  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE, 

when  the  General  Convention  met,  did  I  become  a  leader 
in  the  work.  On  the  contrary,  I  was  rather  a  silent  and 
passive  spectator,  the  whole  matter  being  taken  in  hand 
and  managed  by  those  whom  Bishop  O.  regarded  as  his 
friends,  and  who,  from  time  to  time,  communicated  with 
him.  At  the  close  of  the  negotiations,  I  was  put  on  a 
committee  with  Bishops  Brownell,  Chase,  Ives  and  Hop- 
kins, to  which  was  afterwards  added  Bishop  Whittingham, 
for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  documents  and  bringing 
in  resolutions  and  a  sentence  in  proper  form." — Bishop 
Meade's  2nd  Pamphlet,  jp.  9,  10. 

These  statements  are  important  in  connection  with  cer- 
tain proceedings  at  subsequent  Conventions,  and  for  the 
vindication  of  Bishop  Meade  against  the  violent  assault 
to  be  hereafter  noticed. 

2.  The  Eight  Eev.  B.  T.  Onderdonk,  D.  D. 

Oifences  similar  to  those  imputed  to  the  Bishop  of  Penn- 
sylvania, by  the  clergy  of  his  Diocese,  were,  by  common 
fame  ascribed  to  the  Bishop  of  New  York.  Such  rumors 
had  been  in  circulation  for  several  years.  At  the  Greneral 
Convention  of  1844,  they  had  become  so  definite  and  loud 
that  the  purity  of  the  Church  would  not  permit  any  fur- 
ther delay  of  their  formal  investigation.  This  unaccepta- 
ble service  was  undertaken  by  Bishops  Otey,  Elliott,  and  a 
third,  whose  place  Bishop  Meade  was  afterwards  induced 
to  take,  for  a  reason  which  will  be  duly  noticed.  JSTot  sat- 
isfied to  rely  on  the  information  communicated  to  them  by 
persons  attending  the  G-eneral  Convention,  they  went, 
after  its  adjournment,  to  New  York,  and  spent  much  time 
in  carefully  tracing  the  reports  to  those  with  whom  they 
originated,  ascertaining  precisely  what  they  were  prepared 
to  testify,  and  in  satisfying  themselves  as  to  the  charac- 
ter of  the  witnesses.  This  investigation  determined  them 
to  present  "  to  'their  brother  Bishops  the  Eight  Eev.  Ben- 
jamin T.  Onderdonk,  D.  D.,  as  guilty  of  immorality  and 
impurity,"  and  solemnly  to  demand  a  trial  of  the  said 


''^  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE.  307 

Benjamin  T.  Onderdonk,  pursuant  to  the  provision  of  the 
canons  of  the  General  Convention  of  the  said  Church,  in 
such  case  made  and  provided." 

Porthe  concise  and  inadequate  canon  of  1841,  "of  the 
trial  of  a  Bishop,"  the  General  Convention  of  1844  had 
adopted  a  substitute,  making  suitable  provision  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  its  object,  and  indicating,  with  reasonable 
clearness,  the  manner  in  which  the  prosecution  should  be 
conducted. 

The  Court  was  organized  in  St.  John's  Church,  in  the 
city  of  New  York.  It  continued  its  sessions  from  day  to 
day  for  about  three  weeks,  laboriously  engaged  in  the 
painful  process  of  examining  the  witnesses — deciding 
such  points  as  were  submitted  by  the  prosecution  or  defence, 
listening  to  the  arguments  of  counsel,  and  finally,  in  giving 
form  and  effect  to  the  judgment  of  the  majority  of  the 
Court,  on  the  charges  contained  in  the  presentment. 

By  that  judgment  the  accused  was  declared  "  guilty ^^ 
and  the  penalty  of  "  suspension"  was  awarded. 

The  suspended  Bishop  was  very  naturally  exceedingly 
dissatisfied  with  the  course  which  had  been  pursued  by  the 
presenters.  He  was  not  prepared  to  submit  silently  to 
the  wrongs  which  he  conceived  they  had  inflicted  upon  an 
unoffending  brother,  with  whom  their  relations  had  always 
been  those  of  Christian  courtesy.  He  could  not  forbear 
giving  loud  utterance  to  his  complaints  through  the  press, 
in  a  pamphlet  purporting  to  be  "  a  statement  of  facts  and 
circumstances  connected  with  his  trial."  In  this  pam- 
phlet he  assailed  his  prosecutors  in  terms  of  strong  reproba- 
tion. As  Bishop  Meade  came  in  for  a  large  share  of  the 
odious  charges  and  indignant  censure,  upon  him  devolved 
the  vindication  of  his  brethren  and  himself.  This  he  man- 
aged with  his  habitual  moderation,  relying  upon  a  calm 
recital  of  what  they  had  actually  4one,  as  all  sufiicient  to 
expose  the  mistakes,  and  counteract  the  criminations  of 
the  excited  complainant.     The  reply  contains  such  copious 


308  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

quotations  from  the  statement,  particularly  in  reference  to 
the  grievances  charged  to  Bishop  Meade,  that  nothing 
more  can  be  needed  to  form  a  correct  judgment. 

In  the  first  part  of  his  statement,  Bishop  Onderdonk 
thus  writes  of  my  participation  in  the  steps  leading  to  his 
presentment.  "  Some  six  or  seven  days  after  the  opening 
of  the  Convention,  (the  late  General  Convention  in  Phila- 
delphia), when  the  House  of  Bishops  was  about  coming  to 
order.  Bishop  Meade  approached  me,  and  suggested  that 
I  had  better  leave  the  house.  I  expressed  my  surprise, 
and  asked  why  he  made  the  suggestion.  He  said  he  could 
not  explain  the  reasons,  but  again  urged  me  to  absent  my- 
self. On  my  repeating  my  surprise  at  a  proposition  so 
dark  and  suspicious,  and  so  little  comporting  with  the 
courtesy  of  a  gentleman,  the  duty  of  a  friend  and  brother, 
and  the  proprieties  of  a  Christian,  he  said  that  if  I  con- 
tinued in  the  House,  my  feelings  might  be  hurt.  This  in- 
creased my  surprise,  and  I  demanded  of  him  his  reasons 
for  so  strange  a  procedure.  He  hesitated  about  giving 
any  explanation.  I  warmly  expostulated  with  him  on  the 
injustice  and  wickedness  of  the  course  he  was  pursuing. 
At  length,  as  if  reluctantly  compelled,  he  said  that  there 
were  reports  unfavorable  to  my  character,  respecting 
which  he  wished  to  take  counsel  of  the  Bishops.  I  felt 
what  I  trust  was  just  indignation,  and  expressed  myself 
to  this  effect :  '  ISTow  my  course  is  clear.  I  will  not  shrink. 
I  will  remain  at  my  post.  If  any  man  has  aught  against 
me,  let  him  look  me  in  the  face  and  say  what  it  is.'  I 
also  spoke  strongly  of  his  unworthy  design  of  inducing 
me  to  withdraw,  that  he  might,  in  my  absence,  make  my 
character  and  conduct  the  subject  of  discussion  in  the 
House  of  Bishops.  He  replied,  not  in  the  House  of  Bish- 
ops, but  before  the  Bishops,  informally.  This  unholy  eva- 
sion was  the  subject  of  severe  remarks,  but  not  more  severe 
than  they  deserved.  I  asked  what  were  the  charges 
against  me.     He  said  he  was  not  at  liberty  to  tell.     There 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  309 

our  conversation  ended.  This  was  all  I  ever  heard  from 
the  brother  of  his  having  aught  against  me,  until  he  was 
about  to  become  one  of  my  Presenters  for  trial.  Yet  I 
have  good  evidence  that  Bishop  Meade  had,  for  years, 
been  speaking  against  me,  and  contributing  towards  ^^ub- 
lic  rumor  to  my  prejudice.  After  some  time.  Bishop 
Meade  came  to  me  again,  and  said  in  substance,  you 
were  right.  I  will  have  nothing  more  to  do  with  the 
matter.  They  must  attend  to  their  own  business.  These 
last  words  satisfied  me  that  he  had  been  acting  in  concert 
with  others.  And  when  we  consider  the  darkness  and 
secrecy  with  which  he  acted  his  part,  how  can  an  honora- 
ble and  Christian  man  think  otherwise,  than  that  he  was 
connected  with  a  conspiracy  against  me." 

To  the  same  effect,  in  his  letters  to  the  Presenters,  he 
says:  "  I  assume  that  a  clear  case  of  malicious  motive  may 
be  made  out ;  that  other  views  than  regard  for  the  purity  of 
the  Church  may  be  shown  as  lying  at  the  foundation  of 
this  movement;  and  that  a  well  defined  conspiracy,  not, 
it  is  to  be  feared,  falling  short  of  our  own  House,  (the  House 
of  Bishops),  in  its  comprehensiveness  may  be  made  mani- 
fest." In  the  same  letter  he  also  writes:  "Of  Bishop 
Meade,  I  was  asked  two  or  three  days  since  whether  I 
considered  him  my  friend.  The  question  was  put  by  one 
who  had  been  in  Yirginia,  and  who  said  that  his  doubts 
on  the  subject  were  the  result  of  what  he  had  there  heard, 
I  think  from  the  Bishop  himself.  I  cannot  but  connect 
this  with  his  present  position,  and  particularly  with  his 
effort  at  the  late  General  Convention,  to  get  rid  of  me, 
that  he  might,  in  my  absence,  make  my  character  the  sub- 
ject of  remark  among  my  brethren." 

"Having  made  these  extracts  from  the  statement  of 
Bishop  Onderdonk,  no  apology  is  needed  for  the  following 
narrative  in  explanation  of  the  part  I  have  taken  in  this 
unhappy  transaction.  The  reader  must  judge  how  far  I 
am  justly  liable  to  the  charges  made  against  me." 


310  MEMOIR    OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

"  It  is,  I  think,  about  four  or  five  years  ago,  last  August, 
since  a  worthy  Presbyter  of  our  Church  mentioned  to  me 
that  the  Bishop  of  New  York  brought  great  reproach 
upon  religion,  by  the  intemperate  use  of  intoxicating 
drink  ;  that  on  two'  occasions,  at  the  meeting  of  a  Mission- 
ary Committee,  he  had  greatly  distressed  the  same  by 
coming  thither  in  a  state  of  inebriety.  Shortly  after  this, 
in  passing  through  Philadelphia,  another  Presbyter  asked 
me  how  it  was  that  our  House  of  Bishops  was  so  secret 
as  to  their  admonition  of  Bishop  Onderdonk  for  his  in- 
temperance, adding,  that  at  their  last  meeting  it  was  un- 
derstood such  admonition  was  administered.  I  replied, 
that  "  no  such  thing  had  occurred,  so  far  as  I  knew ;"  for 
I  had  never  heard  of  the  transgression  until  a  few  weeks 
before,  nor  did  I  mention  to  the  Presbyter  having  heard  it 
then.  A  year  or  two  after  that,  perhaps,  I  heard  some- 
thing, though  not  very  particularly,  about  his  misconduct 
to  Mrs.  B.  On  my  return  from  England,  three  years 
since,  to  the  General  Convention  in  'New  York,  I  heard 
two  of  the  Bishops,  one  of  whom  was  very  intimate  with 
Bishop  Onderdonk,  and  much  attached  to  him,  and  the 
other  on  the  most  friendly  terms,  say,  that  "  the  Bishop  of 
New  York  was  slumbering  over  a  volcano,  which  might 
break  forth  at  any  moment."  I  did  not  ask  the  cause. 
The  next  fall,  at  the  consecration  of  Bishop  Johns,  in  the 
city  of  Bichmond,  I  met  with  Bishop  Griswold,  Bishop 
Ives,  and  Bishop  Whittingham.  By  this  time  the  intem- 
perance of  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania  had  become  the 
subject  of  much  conversation,  and  I  mentioned  it  to  Bish- 
op Ives  as  a  matter  which  ought  to  be  inquired  into,  re- 
questing him  to  confer  with  Bishop  Whittingham.  I  also 
mentioned  it  to  Bishop  Grriswold,  who  said  that  he  would 
make  it  his  duty  to  attend  to  it ;  but  he  died  soon  after. 
Bishop  Ives  has  since  mentioned  to  me,  that  he  did  inquire 
into  the  aggravated  case  that  was  stated,  but  found  that  it 
was  unsustained. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISUOP    MEADE.  311 

I  also  alluded  to  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  l^ew  York, 
and  stated  that  I  had  heard  as  to  his  intemiDerance,  and 
the  question  asked  me  as  to  the  admonition  of  the  Bishops. 
Bishop  Ives  informed  me  that  it  was  true.  He  had  been 
guilty  in  that  respect,  and  that  several  of  the  Bishops  had 
spoken  to  him  on  the  subject,  that  he  had  promised 
amendment,  and,  as  he  believed,  fulfilled  the  promise.  I 
asked  him  if  I  was  at  liberty  to  mention  the  fact  of  the 
admonition,  and  the  belief  that  amendment  had  taken 
place.  He  told  me  that  he  wished  me  so  to  do.  We  also 
spoke  of  the  other  evil  report,  and  Bishop  Ives  assured 
me,  that  though  he  believed  he  had  been  imprudent,  yet 
he  was  satisfied  there  was  no  evil  design ;  that  one  of  the 
other  Bishops  had  made  inquiry  concerning  reports  in 
Western  New  York,  and  found  that  there  had  been  great 
exaggerations.  This  statement  of  Bishop  Ives,  I  have  re- 
peatedly made,  when  the  subject  has  been  mentioned.  In 
the  month  of  July  last,  I  met  with  Bishop  Whittingham, 
in  Alexandria,  at  which  time,  while  conversing  with  him 
about  the  unhapi^y  course  of  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania, 
I  asked  him  how  it  was  now  with  the  Bishop  of  New 
York.  He  replied,  "  All  right  now."  Knowing  that  he 
was  intimate  with  him,  and  well  acquainted  in  New  York, 
and  taking  his  opinion  in  connection  with  that  of  Bishop 
Ives,  I  was  satisfied  that  whatever  may  have  been  the 
transgression  of  this  brother  six  or  seven  years  ago,  when 
the  charges  were  first  made,  that  there  was  no  ground 
now  for  them.  This  I  repeatedly  said,  on  the  authority 
of  the  brethren  above  mentioned. 

I  remember  stating  this  my  conviction  to  a  Presbyter  of 
Maryland,  on  my  way  to  Philadelphia,  last  fall.  Not  only 
then,  but  for  some  days  after  leaving  Philadelphia,  such 
continued  to  be  my  conviction  as  to  both  of  the  faults  im- 
puted to  the  Bishop,  and  such  was  declared  to  others  when 
the  first  rumors  of  an  inquiry  were  brought  to  my  ears. 
It  was  not,  until  from  day  to  day,  I  heard  it  asserted  most 


312  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

positively  that  one  of  these  evil  habits,  at  least,  had  con- 
tinued to  a  much  later  period  than  I  had  supposed,  and 
might  not  then  be  abandoned ;  that  proof  could  be  ad- 
duced of  the  fact ;  and  that  the  members  of  the  Conven- 
tion, from  various  and  even  distant  parts  of  the  land,  had 
brought  with  them  this  evil  report ;  that  I  began  to  think 
I  might  be  mistaken.  I  heard  rumors  that  an  impeach- 
ment was  threatened  by  some  visitors  of  the  General  Sem- 
inary. On  one  occasion  I  met  a  clergyman  in  the  street, 
who  proposed  to  communicate  something  in  confidence, 
and  left  him  rather  abruj^tly,  as  he  will  remember.  At 
length  I  became  satisfied  that  something  ought  to  be  done. 
On  the  night  preceding  the  day  on  which  I  attempted  to 
bring  the  matter  before  the  Bishops,  I  seriously  considered 
what  was  my  duty,  not,  I  trust,  without  sincere  prayer  to 
Grod  for  direction.  The  result  was,  a  determination  on  the 
ensuing  morning,  ^without  conference  with  any  human  be- 
ing, wishing  to  implicate  no  one  in  the  act,  to  seek  an  oc- 
casion of  proj^osing  to  the  Bishops,  not  as  a  House  of  Bish- 
ops, but  as  individuals,  informally,  to  confer  together  as  to 
the  course  of  duty.  And  now,  before  I  proceed  to  state 
my  mode  of  proceeding,  and  what  occurred,  I  must  beg 
of  the  reader  just  to  look  over  again  that  part  of  Bishop 
Onderdonk's  statement  which  refers  to  it,  and  which  is  at 
the  head  of  this  paper,  in  order  that  he  may  the  better  see 
wherein  we  differ,  and  also  what  additional  matter  I  pre- 
sent. It  was.  as  he  has  said,  just  before  the  opening  of  the 
House,  that  I  proposed  to  him  that  he  should  retire.  I 
had  previously  asked  one  of  the  Bishops  to  do  it,  but  he  de- 
clined. I  did  not  state  my  particular  object  to  that  Bish- 
op, I  believe.  Most  of  the  bishops  were  in  the  room,  and 
some  of  them  near  us.  In  an  undertone  of  voice  I  asked 
Bishop  O.  to  retire  for  a  short  time,  as  I  had  a  communi- 
cation to  make,  at  which  he  might  not  wish  to  be  present. 
He  immediately  asked  whether  it  related  to  himself  or  his 
brother,  whose  case  was  expected  daily  to  come  before 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  313 

the  House.  Of  course,  I  replied  that  it  related  to  himself. 
He  asked  what  it  was.  I  replied,  I  did  not  wish  to  state 
it  then,  but  that  he  would  know  in  due  time.  On  being 
again  requested  to  inform  him,  I  said  it  related  to  some 
evil  reports  concerning  himself,  about  which  I  wished  to 
consult  the  Bishops.  He  then  replied  that  he  would  not 
leave  the  House,  adding  that  he  knew  more  about  this 
subject  than  I  did ;  alluding,  I  suppose,  to  charges  and 
threatsin  his  own  Diocese  at  a  previous  period,  or  to  what 
was  then  going  on.  He  then  remonstrated  against  the 
method  I  proposed  for  the  first  consideration  of  the  case 
as  improper  and  uncanonical,  saying  that  if  any  persons 
had  charges  against  him,  let  them  be  brought  forward, 
duly  proved  and  presented  as  the  canon  provides.  All  this 
was  said,  according  to  my  recollection  and  firm  conviction, 
not  in  the  style  of  severe  and  indignant  condemnation  of 
myself,  as  an  artful  and  wicked  consj)irator,  but  in  a  re- 
spectful manner,  as  toward  one  who  he  believed  was  doing 
what  he  conceived  to  be.  his  duty,  but  was  about  to  adopt 
an  improper  mode  of  effecting  his  object.  He  seemed  as 
one  expecting  something  of  this  kind,  and  ready  to  meet 
it  in  the  way  most  likely  to  prevent  its  prosecution.  Such 
was  the  impression  made  on  my  mind  at  the  time, 
and  immediately  conveyed  to  some  of  my  brethren.  On 
his  refusal  to  leave  the  House,  and  his  remonstrance  against 
the  proposed  method  of  bringing  the  subject  before  the 
Bishops,  I  desisted,  and  im'mediately  communicated  to 
Bishop  Whittingham,  whom  I  took  into  the  church-yard, 
what  had  occurred.  He  united  with  Bishop  Onderdonk 
in  his  objections  to  the  proposed  method  of  proceeding.  I 
assented  to  the  force  of  the  objections,  so  far  as  to  resolve 
not  to  proceed  any  further  at  that  time,  and  in  that  way. 
Immediately  on  closing  the  conference  with  Bishop 
Whittingham,  I  saw  at  a  little  distance  in  the  church-yard 
a  clergyman  who  had  spoken  to  me  in  strong  terms  on  the 
subject  a  day  or  two  before,  expressing  his  firm  belief  of 
14 


314  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

the  Bishop's  guilt.  I  went  to  him  and  told  him  that  I  had 
communicated  to  the  Bishop  these  evil  reports  against 
him ;  that  his  reply  was,  let  those  who  make  them  come 
forward  with  the  same  duly  proved  in  the  canonical  form. 
I  then  said  to  the  clergyman,  "there  has  been  much  on 
this  subject  in  the  way  of  evil  report ;  it  is  time  that  the 
matter  be  settled.  The  Bishop  should  either  be  proved  to 
be  guilty,  or  else  the  persons  speaking  of  him  be  silenced, 
and  regarded  as  false  witnesses."  The  clergyman's  answer 
was  :  "  A  regular  memorial  is  now  preparing,  or  has  been 
prepared,  to  be  signed  by  a  number  of  respectable  minis- 
ters and  laymen,  and  sent  to  the  House  of  Bishops,  re- 
questing them  to  inquire  into  the  case."  I  forthwith  left 
him,  and  communicated  to  Bishop  Whittingham  what  had 
passed.  I  afterwards  spoke  to  Bishop  Onderdonk,  saying 
that  I  believed  I  was  in  error  as  to  the  proposed  method 
of  introducing  this  subject ;  that  I  had  stated  what  had 
occurred  between  us  to  a  gentleman  who  was  acquainted 
with  what  was  going  on,  requesting  him  to  say  to  those 
who  were  making  complaints,  that  they  must  make  them 
in  a  regular  canonical  way ;  that  I  had  endeavored  to  do 
my  duty,  and  should  proceed  no  further  in  the  way  I  had 
intended  to  adopt. 

Thus  my  action  ceased  until  a  day  or  two  afterwards, 
when  the  memorial  of  five  gentlemen  was  sent  in  to  the 
House  of  Bishops.  During  the  discussion  whether  this 
memorial  should  be  even  read,  which  was  earnestly  and 
effectually  opposed  by  the  Bishop's  most  particular  friends 
as  an  uncanonical  procedure,  although  a  precedent  was  in 
its  favor,  I  rose  and  stated  to  the  House  what  I  had  at- 
tempted to  do  a  day  or  two  before,  my  reasons  for  the  at- 
tempt, and  also  for  relinquishing  it.  My  statement  was 
briefly  this  :  that  in  consequence  of  the  numerous  and 
scandalous  reports  in  circulation  among  the  members  of 
the  Convention,  in  the  private  and  public  houses  of  the 
city,  and  in  the  country  at  large,  I  had,  during  many 


MEMOIR  OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  315 

sleepless  hours  of  the  night,  many  of  which  had  of  late 
years  fallen  to  my  lot,  and  which  admonished  me  that  my 
life  was  more  uncertain  than  that  of  perhaps  any  of  them, 
seriously  inquired  as  to  my  duty  in  this  instance  ;  that  I 
had  come  to  the  conclusion,  that  it  was  proper  to  take 
counsel  of  the  Bishops  on  the  subject,  but  without  confer- 
ring in  the  first  instance  with  any  of  them  ;  that,  being 
aware  how  the  canon  provided  that  three  Bishops  might 
present  a  brother  Bishop  for  trial,  I  knew  that  the  Bish- 
ops as  a  House  were  not  the  proper  body  for  originating 
the  trial ;  but  yet,  as  they  were  all  assembled  together, 
there  might  be  a  peculiar  propriety  in  conferring  in  an  in- 
formal manner  as  to  the  duty  and  expediency  of  having 
an  investigation,  that  each  one  might  state  what  he  knew 
or  had  heard  on  the  subject,  and  thus  all  the  information 
which  could  be  obtained  would  be  before  us,  and  there 
would  be  less  liability  to  mistake  as  to  the  responsible  step 
of  making  a  presentment.  I  stated  the  possibility  of  three 
Bishops  being  led  to  make  a  presentment  of  an  innocent 
person,  not  only  through  some  misrepresentation,  but,  in 
some  measure,  through  prejudice  ;  but  that  where  all  were 
convened  together,  as  at  that  time,  it  seemed  the  safest 
and  most  proper  course  for  them  as  brethren  to  communi- 
cate the  knowledge  of  the  facts  of  the  case,  and  their 
opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  an  investigation  grounded 
either  on  the  probability  of  the  guilt,  or  the  extent  and 
nature  of  the  evil  report  requiring  correction.  I  further 
stated,  that  in  conversing  with  Bishop  Onderdonk  and 
Bishop  Whittingham,  I  had  been  so  far  satisfied  as  to  the 
impropriety  of  an  individual  bringing  it  forward,  as  I  pro- 
posed to  do,  that  I  had  desisted  from  my  purpose.  Seve- 
ral of  the  bishops,  the  warmest  friends  of  Bishop  O.,  most 
solemnly  remonstrated  against  any  such  preliminary  con- 
ference, saying  that  it  would  be  a  previous  trial ;  that  the 
matter  must  be  commenced  by  three  Bishojjs  acting  on 
their  own  responsibility,  aifd  I  was  called  on  most  earnest- 


316  MEMOIR   OF  BISHOP   MEADE. 

ly  to  take  part  in  it,  if  I  thought  there  was  sufficient  rea- 
son. 

Such  is  the  simple  narrative  of  what  I  have  heard  said 
aad  proposed  in  relation  to  the  case  of  Bishop  O.,  up  to 
the  period  of  its  agitation  in  the  House  of  Bishops.  So 
far  from  being  engaged  in  a  secret  conspiracy  with  those 
who  have  been  charged  with  such  a  mode  of  action  in  this 
case,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  state  that  I  saw  Mr.  Trapier 
but  once,  I  think,  during  the  Convention,  and  then,  after 
the  memorial  was  presented,  and  for  a  few  moments  only, 
at  the  church  door  ;  that  I  was  not  even  introduced  to  Mr. 
Gallagher  until  the  memorial  was  sent  in ;  that  I  was  in- 
troduced to  Mr.  Memminger  only  the  day  before  the  me- 
morial was  handed  to  me  by  himself,  and  had  no  conversa- 
tion with  him  on  the  subject ;  that  at  the  time  he  gave  me 
the  memorial,  our  meeting  was  accidental,  in  the  church- 
yard, as  I  was  going  into  the  street ;  that  with  Dr.  Dubois 
I  had  not  the  slightest  acquaintance  until  some  time  after 
the  memorial  was  sent,  and  then,  only  an  introduction  in 
company ;  that  with  Mr.  Morris  I  had  a  brief  conversa- 
tion on  the  subject  of  Bishop  O.,  along  the  street  one  Sun- 
day morning,  as  we  fell  in  together  on  our  way  to  church, 
whether  l)efore  or  after  the  presentment  I  do  not  recollect. 
With  Dr.  Hawks,  who  has  been  considered  by  some  as  a 
chief  mover  in  the  business,  I  spoke  a  few  passing  words 
on  two  occasions,  once  in  the  church-yard,  and  again  along 
the  street,  on  subjects  entirely  foreign  to  this  matter.  Not 
a  word  did  I  exchange  with  him  on  the  subject  while  in 
Philadelphia.  While  thus  contradicting  the  charge  of  act- 
ing in  concert  with  these  or  any  other  persons  in  bringing 
on  the  trial  of  Bishop  Onderdonk,  I  beg  not  to  be  under- 
stood as  casting  any  censure  on  those  worthy  persons  who 
did  confer  together  for  the  purpose  of  investigating  the 
truth  of  reports  so  injurious  to  religion,  and  of  bringing 
the  supposed  guilty  person  to  trial.  It  is  impossible  to 
exercise  godly  discipline  on  the  Bishops  of  the  Church 


MEMOIR   OF  BISHOP   MEADE.  317 

without  such  conference,  and  the  Bishops  are  the  last  per- 
sons who  should  attempt  to  load  with  obloquy  those  who 
are  faithful  to  their  duty  in  this  respect,  lest  they  subject 
themselves  to  the  suspicion  of  preventing  discipline  in 
their  case. 

My  only  object  in  the  foregoing  is  to  state  the  real  facts 
of  the  case,  and  that,  neither  directly  or  indirectly,  by 
word  or  epistle,  did  I  have  any  intercourse  with  these  or 
any  other  persons  in  the  incipient  steps  leading  to  the 
trial.  My  action,  or  effort  at  action,  was  entirely  inde- 
pendent, as  stated  above,  and  without  conference  with  any 
being  on  this  earth." 

To  the  next  complaint  of  their  (the  presenters')  want 
of  honor  and  generosity  in  not  showing  him  all  the  affida- 
vits, and  having  a  personal  brotherly  interview  with  him 
before  the  presentment,  thus  affording  an  opportunity  to 
make  explanations  which  might  have  prevented  the  trial, 
Bishop  Meade  replies  : 

"As  no  new  affidavits  on  which  the  presentment  was 
formed,  had  been  obtained  in  New  York,  and  the  former 
ones  had  been  read  to  three  of  the  Bishop's  friends,  with  a 
request  that  they  would  state  the  contents  to  him,  which 
contents  were  of  such  a  character  as  could  not  easily  be 
forgotten,  and  might  readily  be  stated  ;  we  had,  therefore, 
nothing  new  to  communicate.  In  requesting  to  hear  from 
the  Bishop  the  next  morning,  we  did  not  positively  limit 
him  to  that  time,  but  I  must  say  that  we  did  not  think  he 
would  desire  more,  as  we  believed  he  had  nothing  to  offer 
in  delay  or  hindrance  of  the  presentment.  When,  how- 
ever, on  the  following  day,  more  time  was  asked  by  his 
friends,  we  at  once  postponed  it  for  twenty-four  hours 
longer,  at  the  end  of  which  time  we  were  informed  that 
though  there  was  dissatisfaction  at  the  manner  of  our  pro- 
ceedings, yet  no  further  delay  was  asked.  In  relation  to 
the  complaint  that  we  did  not  personally  appear  before 
the  Bishop,  and  receive  his  explanations  and  rebutting 


318  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

statements,  it  is  sufficient  to  say  that  the  charges  were 
such  as  to  admit  of  no  explanation  that  would  satisfy.  So 
did  they  appear  to  the  court  and  counsel  on  both  sides. 
They  must  be  either  true  or  false.  They  came  to  us  sworn 
to  by  most  respectable  members  and  ministers  of  the 
Church.  Bishop  Onderdonk  could  only  deny  them — as 
he  has  done  since.  We  wished  to  avoid  the  painfal  refu- 
sal to  admit  his  denial  against  the  oaths  of  so  many  excel- 
lent persons,  to  which  we  might  have  subjected  ourselves 
by  a  brotherly  visit,  such  as  was  indeed  spoken  of  amongst 
us." 

To  the  complaint  "of  our  delay  of  the  presentment  for 
two  weeks,  perhaps,  after  the  G-eneral  Convention,  as  af- 
fording opportunity  and  encouragement  to  his  enemies,  to 
injure  him  by  false  reports,^'  Bishop  Meade  remarks : 
"Having  undertaken  so  painful  and  responsible  a  task  as 
that  of  inquiring  whether  a  presentment  should  be  made, 
and  if  so,  of  doing  it  in  the  most  unexceptionable  way,  it 
became  our  duty  to  proceed  in  the  most  cautious  and  de- 
liberate manner,  and  to  be  sure  that  the  charges  made 
should  be  properly  sustained.  "We  felt,  indeed,  from  the 
peculiar  najture  of  the  case,  and  the  difficulty  of  obtaining 
information  as  to  all  the  rumors  afloat,  and  the  complaints 
made,  that  months  rather  than  weeks  were  required  to  do 
ample  justice  to  the  subject.  The  fact  that  more  than 
three  weeks  were  required  for  the  trial,  on  the  compara- 
tively few  cases  adduced,  is  one  proof  of  this."  "Another 
and  most  sufficient  reason  did  we  have  for  delay.  Besides 
the  cases  on  which  affidavits  were  given,  we  heard  while 
in  Philadelphia,  and  ITew  York,  of  numerous  other  instan- 
ces of  similar  misconduct  imputed  to  the  Bishop,  and 
measures  were  in  operation  for  ascertaining  their  truth, 
and  the  practicability  of  obtaining  evidence  of  the  same 
for  the  trial ;  on  which  account  it  was  proper  to  keep  the 
presentment  open.  There  was  reason  to  believe  that  in 
several  most  important  ones,  witnesses  might  be  induced 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  319 

to  furnish  affidavits.  This  expectation,  however,  was  dis- 
appointed. And  I  must  here  remark,  that  if  the  Bishop 
and  his  friends  had  reason  to  complain  of  certain  disad- 
vantages from  the  lapse  of  time  and  the  nature  of  the 
charges,  much  more  had  the  presenters  to  complain  of  the 
difficulty  of  obtaining  testimony,  from  the  nature  of  the 
crime  charged,  and  from  the  obstacles  thrown  in  the  way 
of  either  affidavits,  or  an  appearance  of  the  insulted  fe- 
males before  the  court.  Efforts  most  likely  to  succeed, 
were  made  to  dissuade  even  those  whose  affidavits  had 
been  given,  and  who  had  consented  to  appear,  to  relin- 
quish their  purpose.  Letters  anonymous,  and  letters  with 
the  signature  of  friends,  were  written  to  them,  entreating 
and  warning  them  not  to  appear.*  The  terrors  of  exam- 
ination before  a  court  were  set  forth.  Euin  to  the  reputa- 
tion of  young  females  thus  coming  before  the  public,  was 
declared  to  be  inevitable,  however  true  their  testimony. 
A  young  minister  of  the  gospel  was  told  that  he  might  as 
well  give  up  his  ministry  at  once,  as  appear  against  the 
Bishop  on  trial.  Although  these  failed,  yet  the  opposition 
of  friends  in  other  instances  prevailed  to  prevent  the  at- 
tendance of  witnesses.  And  when  we  consider  the  shrink- 
ing modesty  of  the  sex,  and  think  upon  the  severity  of 
examination  to  which  the  witnesses  were  subjected,  our 
wonder  now  is,  that  so  many  were  induced  to  come  for- 
ward. In  the  fact  of  their  coming,  we  see  the  hand  of  an 
overruling  Providence,  and  in  the  manner  in  which  they 
were  enabled  to  bear  their  testimony,  we  see  the  power 
of  truth  to  sustain  the  most  timid  of  the  sex,  under  cir- 
cumstances most  overwhelming.  In  this  great  difficulty 
of  obtaining  witnesses  to  facts  which  came  to  our  ears  in 


*  Attempts  were  made  to  intimidate  the  Presenters.  The  following,  ad- 
dressed to  Bishop  Meade,  may  serve  as  a  specimen  ;  "Sir,  one  who  hates 
you  has  his  eye  on  you.  You  are  pursuing  to  the  death  one  who  has  done 
no  wrong.  Charges  are  now  in  preparation  against  you  in  a  quarter  of 
which  you  little  think.     Your  hateful  race  is  nearly  run." 


320  MEMOIR  OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

such  a  manner  as  greatly  to  increase  our  conviction  of  the 
certainty  and  frequency  of  the  Bishop's  misconduct,  we 
surely  had  a  very  sufficient  reason  for  the  delay  complain- 
ed of.  To  this  may  be  added  a  consideration  which  had 
weight  with  us,  in  desiring  to  obtain  an  additional  number 
of  cases  well  substantiated,  viz;,  that  it  would  make  the 
trial  less  difficult,  and  perhaps  supersede  it  altogether  by 
a  confession  of  guilt." 

In  reference  to  the  last  complaint  in  "the  statement," 
Bishop  Meade  remarks  :  "  It  is  that  which  states  that  be- 
sides the  foregoing  specified  cases,  there  were  sundry 
others,  which,  for  want  of  power  to  compel  the  attendance 
of  witnesses,  the  presenters  were  unable  to  state  as  par- 
ticularly as  the  others,  but  that  the  names  of  the  persons 
who  could  testify,  and  who  had  been  summoned,  were 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  accused.  In  the  statement 
made  of  the  difficulty  and  failure  in  obtaining  affidavits, 
and  promise  of  attendance  in  different  cases  reported  to 
us,  may  be  found  one  reason  and  our  justification  for  this 
article.  There  were  some  cases  which  we  still  hoped 
might  be  witnessed  to,  when  the  court  should  meet,  but 
whose  particulars  as  to  time,  place,  and  circumstances,  we 
had  not  been  able  to  ascertain,  through  the  unwillingness 
of  the  persons  concerned.  There  -were  others,  which  we 
hoped  the  authority  of  the  court  might  enable  us  to  ob- 
tain. We  designed  to  say  to  the  court,  and  to  the  accused, 
if  it  is  wished  to  have  the  fullest  investigation  of  the 
whole  matter,  we  ask  leave  to  enlarge  the  number  of  cases, 
and  to  introduce  others  which  have  contributed  no  little 
to  the  evil  report  against  the  accused.  Lest  he  should 
complain  of  being  taken  by  surprise,  we  had,  at  the  time 
of  the  presentment,  furnished  him  with  the  names  of  the 
additional  witnesses,  and  if  more  time  were  required  to 
adduce  rebutting  testimony,  the  court  would  grant  what 
was  asked.  Such  was  our  motive  and  object  in  this  last 
article  of  the  presentment.     The  Bishop  and  his  friends 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  321 

being  entirely  opposed  to  this,  although  there  were  those 
of  the  court  who  thought  it  would  conduce  to  the  most 
satisfactory  examination  of  the  case,  it  was  stricken  out ; 
nor  did  the  presenters  object.  They  always  meant  to 
leave  it  to  the  Bishop  himself  The  court,  however,  did 
not  dismiss  .it  without  orderino-  that  the  names  of  those 
who,  being  summoned,  had  refused  to  testify,  whether 
clergy  or  laity,  should  be  reported  to  the  Bishop,  or  eccle- 
siastical authority  of  the  Diocese  to  which  they  belong." 
Rarely  have  men,  for  the  conscientious  discharge  of  a 
painful  duty,  been  more  abundantly  and  abominably  abused 
than  these  three  faithful  and  fearless  presenters.  Their 
compensation  was  found  in  a  full  and  firm  persuasion,  that 
they  had  done  only  what  was  right  and  requisite^  in  which 
comfortable  consciousness  they  were  confirmed  by  the  nu- 
merous communications  which  they  received  from  various 
quarters,  thanking  them  for  the  good  service  they  had 
done  to  the  cause  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion,  and  the 
credit  of  the  Church,  by  the  abatement  of  the  scandal 
from  which  both  were  seriously  sufi'ering.  Of  these  ex- 
tracts, a  letter  from  the  rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church, 
Philadelphia,  must  suffice  as  a  specimen  : 

Philadelphia,  Feb.  22,  1845. 
My  Dear  Bishop: 

I  feel  that  the  Church,  and  every  individual  member  of  it,  owes  you  a 
large  debt  of  gratitude  for  the  moral  courage  you  have  manifested  in  bring- 
ing a  most  unworthy  man  to  justice.  For  one,  I  feel  that  I  ought  to  ac- 
knowledge the  obligation.  I  cannot  but  regret  that  the  unhappy  Diocese 
of  New  York  is  left  in  so  perplexing  a  situation,  but  hope  that  Providence 
will  open  a  way  for  speedy  relief.  The  Bishop's  friends,  or  at  least  some  of 
them — Bishop  Ives,  Bishop  Doane,  Bishop  Kemper,  Prof.  Moore,  and  Mr. 
Ogden,  his  counsel,  have  advised  him  to  resign.  Had  he  done  so  at  once, 
how  much  trouble  and  pain  would  have  been  saved.  But  he  holds  on  in 
'  the  vain  hope  that  the  sentence  may  be  rescinded,  or  at  least  declared  void 
by  his  Diocese.  So  long  as  he  remains,  we  shall  have  trouble.  Already 
have  there  been  about  a  dozen  pamphlets  published,  besides  daily  news- 
paper paragraphs,  and  the  end  is  not  yet."  I  understand  that  the  al- 
most universal  feeling  is  now  against  him  in  New  York.  The  "  trial "  has 
14* 


322  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

changed  everybody.  So  much  so,  that  a  meeting  that  was  to  have  been 
held  to  raise  an  annuity  of  $3000  for  him,  that  he  might  retire  comforta- 
bly,/ai'Zet?  entirely  after  its  publication.  And  the  Trustees  of  the  Episco- 
pal Fund  have  refused  to  pay  his  salary,  being  advised  by  counsel,  that 
his  claim  upon  it  is  so  doubtful,  that  they  pay,  (if  they  do  pay,)  on  their 
personal  liability.  It  is  a  most  unfortunate  business,  but  I  really  con- 
sider the  most  injurious  circumstance  in  the  whole  affaif,  to  be  the  fact 
that  six  bishops  should  have  been  found  to  declare  him  "not  guilty." 
That  is  doing  more  harm  than  anything  else,  and  that  in  many  ways,  and 
it  gives  him  and  his  "friends"  boldness  to  resist  and  fight  it  out,  some- 
what longer. 

We  now  see  what  loud  professions  about  "the  Church,"  "ecclesiastical 
authority,"  "submission,"  etcetera,  are  worth.  What  a  difference  there 
is  sometimes  between  ^Hweedle  dum  and  tweedle  dee  /"  But  a  certain  dynas- 
ty is  now  at  an  end,  and  I  thank  God  for  the  downfall.  I  regret  that  it 
should  have  been  accomplished  in  that  way,  but  I  trust  it  is  gone  forever. 
It  has  done  the  Church  great,  very  great  harm.  But  I  am  prosing,  and 
must  check  the  freedom  of  my  pen.  Renewing  the  assurances  of  my  cordial 
admiration  of  your  noble  conduct,  and  my  thanks  for  the  good  service  you 
have  done  the  Churchy  by  your  resolute  integrity,  I  am,  Right  Rev.  Sir, 

most  affectionately, 

Your  friend  and  son  in  the  gospel, 

Henry  W.  Ducachet. 


3.  Bight  Rev.  George  W.  Doane,  D.  D. — In  the  Conven- 
tion of  the  Diocese  of  'New  Jersey,  which  met  in   St.  • 
Mary's*  Church,  Burlington,  May,  1849,  at  half  past  six 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  of  the  last  day's  session,  the  following  res- 
olution was  offered  by  Wm.  Halstead  Esq.,  of  Trenton  : 

Whereas,  A  Bishop  should  be  blameless,  and  should 
have  a  good  report  of  those  who  are  without,  lest  he  fall 
into  reproach  ;  and  whereas,  public  rumor  as  well  as  news- 
paper publications,  have  made  serious  charges  against  our 
Bishop,  impeaching  his  moral  character,  tending  to  impair 
his  usefulness,  and  to  bring  the  Church  of  which  he  is  a 
Bishop  into  disrepute  ;  therefore, 

Besolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed,  consisting  of 
three  clergymen  and  three  laymen,  who,  or  a  majority  of 
them,  shall  make  such  inquiries  as  shall  satisfy  them  of 
the   innocency   of  the   accused,  or   of  the   sufficiency  of 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  323 

ground  for  presentment  and  trial,  and  that  they  do  make 
report  to  this  Convention  at  the  present  session,  or  at  such 
other  time  as  this  Convention  shall  designate." 

Charles  H.  King,  Esq.,  (President  of  Columbia  College,) 
then  a  deputy  in  that  Convention,  reported  so  much  of  its 
proceedings  as  related  to  the  charges  against  the  Bishop. 
From  this  report,  which  was  published  on  a  fly-leaf  of  the 
Journal  of  the  Convention,  the  following  extracts  are 
made : 

"  Previous  to  presenting  the  resolution,  Mr.  H.  said  that, 
inasmuch  as  the  proposition  he  was  about  to  submit  near- 
ly concerned  the  character  of  the  presiding  officer,  he  de- 
sired the  courtesy  to  that  distinguished  gentleman,  to  give 
him  an  opportunity  of  vacating  the  chair,  by  going  into 
committee  of  the  whole." 

*'  This  being  quite  an  unusual  course  in  the  Convention, 
and  the  Bishop  indicating  no  wish  to  shrink  from  any  duty 
as  presiding  officer,  the  motion  was  not  "  pressed,  and  the 
resolution  was  presented." 

"  Mr.  Halstead  prefaced  the  resolution  with  a  few  re- 
marks, in  calm  and  measured  language,  disclaiming  any 
unkind  feeling  towards  the  Bishop,  or  any  purpose  other 
than  one  of  enabling  him  to  place  formally  and  officially 
before  the  diocese,  such  explanation  as  he  might  be  dis- 
posed to  give  of  the  charges,  which,  in  the  shape  of  rumors, 
newspaper  publications,  and  placards  in  our  chief  cities, 
were  calculated  so  injuriously  to  affect  his  reputation." 

An  earnest  debate  ensued  on  this  resolution.  It  was 
opposed  by  Mr.  A.  G-ifford,  Judge  Dayton  Ogden,  Charles 
King,  the  Eev.  Mr.  Phillips,  and  the  Eev.  Mr.  Ogilby,  and 
supported  by  the  mover,  Mr.  Halstead. 

"  By  the  first  two  gentlemen  it  was  shown  that  the  Con- 
vention could  not  lawfully  pass  the  resolution  presented  to 
them  •  that  it  was  wholly  uncanonical,  and  unconstitution- 
al J  but  those  gentlemen,  and  all  others  who  spoke  in  op- 
position to  the  resolution,  unreservedly  declared,  that  if 


324  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

charges  specifying,  with  reasonable  precision,  the  offences 
imputed  by  rumor,  or  any  offence  cognizable  by  the  Con- 
vention, should  be  presented,  they  would  oppose  no  obsta- 
cle to  the  receiving,  referring,  and  investigation  of  such 
charges ;  but  that  in  no  other  way  could  the  Convention 
lawfully  reach  or  touch  the  subject.* 

At  about  nine  o'clock,  the  Bishop  rose  to  put  the  ques- 
tion on  the  passage  of  the  resolution.  "  When,  after  a 
few  brief,  touching,  steadily-uttered  sentences  upon  the 
extraordinary  and  trying  position  in  which  he  stood,  the 
Eishop  said,  '  All  who  are  in  favor  of  this  resolution  will 
say  aye.'  A  silence  deep  as  death  fell  upon  the  assembly; 
the  beating  of  each  heart  was  audible,  but  not  a  word  was 


*The  ground  assumed  was,  that  no  inquiry  could  be  instituted  unless 
founded  on  specific  charges,  presented  to  the  Convention.  Inquiry  seems 
to  have  been  mistaken  for  trial.  Specific  charges  must  precede  a  trial^  but 
inquiry  va\x?,i  precede  specific  charges.  The  Convention  is  not  a  court,  and 
cannot  hold  a  trial.  By  the  law  of  the  Church,  the  Convention  is  an  in- 
quest, a  body  specially  authorized  to  inquire  into  the  conduct  of  her  Bish- 
op, and  if  it  seems  fit,  to  make  and  present  to  a  court  of  Bishops  specific 
charges  against  him.  No  person  is  especially  appointed  to  present  specific 
charges  to  the  Convention,  and  no  person  can  reasonably  be  expected  to 
volunteer  the  performance  of  a  task  so  odious,  and  so  likely  to  excite  the 
wrath  of  the  Bishop  and  his  friends.  So  far  from  being  unlawful  in  the 
Convention  to  inquire  into  the  truth  of  rumors  adverse  to  the  character  of 
their  Bishop,  such  inquiry  is  their  special  function,  to  be  exercised  with  a 
sound  discretion.  It  is  for  the  Convention  to  judge  whether  the  rumor,  in 
its  source  and  character,  merits  notice,  and,  if  it  does,  then  it  is  not  only 
the  right,  but  the  duty  of  the  Convention,  to  inquire  into  its  truth. 

The  pretence  that  a  Convention  can  only  acton  specific  charges,  virtually 
deprives  it  of  the  power  of  an  inquest.  A  Bishop  may  be  guilty  of  various 
crimes,  and  the  proof  of  his  guilt  at  hand,  but  the  Convention  cannot 
move,  till  some  accuser  comes  before  them,  and  then  their  powers  of  in- 
quiry are  limited  to  the  particular  charges  which  this  accuser  may  adduce. 
No  rumors,  however  rife,  however  all-pervading  they  may  be,  however 
crushing  in  their  influence  on  the  character  and  usefulness  of  the  Bishop, 
and  the  good  name  of  the  Church,  can  attract  the  notice  of  the  Conven- 
vention.  On  this  subject,  that  body  is  to  be  both  blind  and  deaf,  till  some 
person  shall  volunteer  to  unstop  their  ears,  and  open  their  eyes,  and,  even 
then,  they  are  to  hear  and  see  only  just  so  much  as  this  volunteer  accuser 
may,  in  his  discretion,  deem  expedient.  Now  if  any  thing  more  be  need- 
ed to  show  the  utter  nonsense  of  the  ground  assumed,  that  it  is  wicked 
and  unlawful  to  inquire  into  a  rumor,  it  may  be  found  in  the  37th  canon 
of  1838,  which  makes  it  the  duty  of  a  Bishop,  if  a  minister  ^^be  accused 
by  public  rumor,  of  crimes  and  off'etices,"  to  see  that  inquiry  be  instituted  as 
to  the  truth  of  such  public  rumors. 


X. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  325 

spoken.  No  solitary  aye  broke  through  this  awful  silence. 
The  mover  of  the  resolution  himself  was  voiceless.  After 
a  due  pause,  the  Bishop  again  spake  :  'All  opposed  to  this 
resolution  will  say  no.'  Then  went  up  as  with  one  breath 
and  from  one  heart,  such  a  negative  as  no  one  could  mis- 
take the  import  of.  Its  tone,  its  fervor,  its  sincerity  were 
significant,  even  more  than  its  unanimity.  The  work  was 
done,  and  after  finishing  some  formal  business,  the  Con- 
vention adjourned."  This  report,  prepared  by  one  of  the 
earnest  speakers  against  the  resolution,  was  at  once  ex- 
tensively circulated  in  the  New  York  Courier  and  Enquirer^ 
and  in  many  other  papers,  and,  as  already  noted,  was 
inserted  by  authority  of  some  one,  on  a  fly  leaf  of  the 
Journal. 

It  was  said  that  the  decided  vote  was  rather  a  nem- 
ine  conti'adicetite,  than  unanimous.  Certainly  the  mover, 
though  he  refrained  from  voting,  for  a  reason  which  will 
be  assigned,  was  unchanged  in  his  conviction,  and  what- 
ever may  have  been  the  "fervor  and  sincerity"  of  the 
many  within  the  walls  of  St.  Mary's,  there  was  a  large 
and  increasing  number  without,  who  concurred  with  the 
mover  of  the  resolution,  that  the  serious  charges  so  pub- 
licly and  extensively  circulated  demanded  formal  inquiry. 

The  undismayed,  though  unsupported  author  of  the  mo- 
tion for  such  inquiry,  is  entitled  to  be  heard  in  reference 
to  the  circumstances  and  considerations  which  determined 
him  to  offer  a  resolution  which,  (according  to  Mr.  King's 
report,)  was  rejected  by  "such  a  negative  as  no  one  could 
mistake  the  import  of."  Who  was  Mr.  Halstead,  and  how 
came  he  to  commit  himself  to  a  course  so  unpopular,  and 
apparently  impolitic  ? 

About  two  years  later,  he  had  occasion  to  answer  these 
inquiries  in  a  communication  to  certain  Bishops,  whose 
action  he  and  others  invoked  in  furtherance  of  an  inves- 
tigation which  they  deemed  more  than  ever  imperative, 
and  which  they  believed  the  majority  of  the  Convention 


326  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

of  Xew  Jersey  were  determined  to  evade.  From  that  let- 
ter, the  following  extracts  will  furnish  the  appropriate  in- 
formation, and  help  forward  the  necessary  narrative. 

"  It  is  due  to  you  as  well  as  to  myself,  that  I  should 
state  fully  and  frankly  the  manner  in  which  I  have  been 
brought  into  the  attitude  of  an  accuser  of  the  Bishop  of 
this  Diocese.  I  reside  in  Trenton,  in  a  county  contigu- 
ous to  that  in  which  the  Bishop  resides.  I  practice  law 
in  that  and  the  adjacent  counties.  ^Lj  central  position, 
my  professional  business,  as  well  as  the  public  offices  I 
have  held  for  some  years  in  this  State,  have  given  me  an 
extensive  acquaintance  throughout  New  Jersey.  When, 
in  the  Fall  of  1848,  and  the  Spring  of  1849,  rumors  deroga- 
tory to  the  character  of  Bishop  Doane  became  rife  through 
the  counties  in  which  I  practiced  law,  I  could  not  fail  to 
hear  them.  As  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  I 
could  not  but  feel  deep  regret  and  mortification.  I  was 
asked  if  it  was  possible  these  rumors  could  be  true.  I 
could  not  deny  them,  for  many  of  them  came  from  sources 
entitled  to  credit.  They  became  topics  of  public  and 
newspaper  discussion.  They  were  used  to  cast  odium 
upon  the  Church,  and  to  oj)erate  injuriously  to  her  inter- 
ests. I  asked  myself  what  ought  to  be  done,  and  I  rea- 
soned thus :  '  These  rumors  and  charges  against  the 
Bishop  are  true,  or  false.  If  true,  then  he  is  unworthy  to 
preside  over  a  Christian  Church ;  if  false,  then  it  is  due  to 
the  Church,  to  religion,  to  the  person  unjustly  accused, 
that  their  falsity  should  be  exposed,  and  the  public  mind 
disabused.'  Soon  after  my  mind  had  reached  this  conclu- 
sion, I  was  on  my  way  to  attend  the  Convention  at  Bur- 
lington, in  May,  1849,  in  company  with  two  clerical  and 
two  or  three  lay  delegates,  when  the  subject  of  these  ru- 
mors again  became  the  topic  of  conversation,  and  it  ap- 
peared to  be  the  unanimous  opinion  of  those  present,  that 
the  Convention  would  or  should  take  some  action  in  re- 
lation to  them,  and  I  then  remarked,  that  if  nobody  else 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  327 

would  introduce  a  resolution  in  regard  to  them,  that  I 
would  do  it  myself.  It  was  not  a  great  while  after  I  ar- 
rived at  Burlinnrton,  before  I  was  unexpectedly  approach- 
ed by  a  friend,  (with  whom  I  had  never  previously  ex- 
changed  a  word  on  the  subject,)  who  said  he  had  been  in- 
formed that  I  intended  to  offer  to  the  Convention  a  reso- 
lution in  regard  to  the  rumors  against  Bishop  Doane.  I 
replied  that  I  had  said,  that  I  thought  such  a  resolution 
should  be  offered,  and  that  if  nobody  else  would  do  it,  T 
would  do  it  myself  He  then  entered  into  a  course  of 
reasoning  to  dissuade  me  from  it,  the  substance  of  which 
was,  that  an  inquiry  into  the  conduct  of  the  Bishop  would 
have  a  tendency  to  injure  the  schools  and  college,  to  di- 
minish the  revenues  to  be  derived  therefrom,  and  render 
the  Bishop  less  able  to  pay  his  debts.  These  arguments 
were  not  satisfactory  to  my  mind.  While  I  regretted  the 
position  in  which  the  schools  and  college  might  be  placed, 
I  could  not  think  it  right  that  they  should  flourish  at  the 
expense  of  the  Church,  or  that  religion  should  languish  in 
order  that  learning  might  increase.  I  waited  patiently, 
therefore,  all  the  first  day  of  the  Convention,  and  until 
near  the  close  of  the  second  day,  to  see  if  nobody  else 
would  introduce  any  resolution  on  the  subject,  and  while 
waiting,  I  cast  my  eyes  round  the  Convention  to  see  if 
there  was  any  one  there,  upon  whom  this  disagreeable 
duty  could  more  appropriately  devolve  than  myself.  But 
though  I  found  many  members  older  than  myself,  (with 
the  exception  of  two  lawyers,)  they  had  not  been  accus- 
tomed to  public  speaking.  The  lawyers  older  than  myself 
in  the  Convention,  were  both  infirm  in  health,  (both  have 
since  departed  this  life).  They  were,  besides,  members 
and  {ittendants  upon  the  Bishop's  Church,  in  Burlington, 
and  their  social  relations  were  such,  with  the  Bishop  and 
his  family,  that  I  felt  I  had  no  right  to  ask  either  of  these 
gentlemen  to  assume  the  performance  of  an  unpleasant 
duty,  to  relieve  myself  from  it.     I  therefore  offered  a  res- 


328  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

oliition  of  inquiry  into  the  Bishop's  conduct.  That  reso- 
lution, and  the  action,  or  rather  want  of  action  upon  it, 
will  be  found  in  the  Journal  of  the  Convention  for  that 
year.  I  will  not  go  into  the  argument  by  which  I  sup- 
ported my  resolution,  nor  the  argument  by  which  it  was 
answered.  The  gentleman  to  whom  had  previously  been 
committed  the  task  of  answering  my  argument,  in  reply- 
ing to  it,  stated,  and  stated  truly,  that  what  I  had  said  in 
support  of  my  resolution,  was  said  in  the  "  most  guarded 
and  measured  terms."  I  was  unwilling  to  go  one  step  be- 
yond what  I  conceived  to  be  my  duty,  and  I  did  not  in- 
tend to  fall  one  step  behind  it.  I  had  no  hostility  to  grat- 
ify; I  had  no  private  interest  to  subserve.  I  felt  that  I 
was  acting  under  a  solemn  responsibility  to  Christian 
character,  and  I  desired  not  to  overstep  the  bounds  of 
Christian  charity.  When  the  vote  was  taken  on  the  reso- 
lution, I  confess  I  w&,s  mortified  to  find  not  a  single  voice 
in  its  favor,  and  as  I  thought  it  might  look  more  like 
bravado  than  Christian  humility  to  give  a  solitary  vote 
for  my  own  resolution,  I  remained  silent." 

After  the  emphatic  repudiation  of  Mr.  Halstead's  reso- 
lution, and  before  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention,  the 
treasurer's  accounts  were  under  consideration,  and  the 
Episcopal  Fund  became  a  matter  of  inquiry.  Mr.  Hal- 
stead  writes :  "  Then,  for  the  first  time,  it  was  disclosed 
that  the  treasurer  had,  without  the  knowledge  or  consent 
of  the  Convention,  sold  out  the  stocks  and  mortgages  in 
which  that  fund  had  been  invested,  and  loaned  the  pro- 
ceeds thereof  to  the  Bishop,  without  taking  any  security 
therefor,  other  than  the  Bishop's  individual  notes.  The 
Bishop  then  said  that  he  intended  to  secure  the  amount 
borrowed  of  the  Episcopal  Fund  '  very  soon,'  or  words  to 
that  effect.  I  rose  and  said  I  was  glad  he  had  made  the 
statement,  and  that  I  hoped  the  security  would  be  speedi- 
ly given." 

Those  who  had  complained  against  the  Bishop  were  led 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  329 

by  the  stand  taken  by  Mr.  Halstead,  to  communicate  to 
him  the  grounds  of  their  dissatisfaction.  "  These/'  he  says, 
"  came  to  me  from  such  sources  and  in  such  forms,  as 
would  not  allow  me  to  doubt  that  there  was  too  much 
foundation  for  many  of  them."  The  recollection  of  the 
complete  failure  of  the  effort  for  inquiry  at  the  last  Con- 
vention, indisposed  him  to  renew  the  attempt,  and  the 
pressure  of  his  professional  business  reconciled  his  con- 
science to  leaving  further  interference  to  others.  The 
state  of  the  Episcopal  Fund,  however,  gave  him  much 
concern,  and  he  attended  the  Convention  in  May,  1850, 
chiefly  to  see  that  matter  promptly  adjusted.  It  had  been 
given  to  a  committee  the  day  before  he  reached  Newark. 
His  account  of  the  proceedings  in  the  case  is,  that  "when, 
subsequently,  the  committee  made  their  report,  I  called 
for  the  reading  of  the  report,  but  I  was  told  that  the  re- 
port was  not  in  writing,  but  verbal,  and  that  I  was  out  of 
order.  I  said,  "I  desired  to  know  what  the  securities 
were,  which  had  been  accepted  by  the  committee."  Of 
this  very  reasonable  request,  no  notice  was  taken  at  the 
time. 

Soon  after  this,  some  remarks  of  the  Eev.  Mr.  Sher- 
man, upon  the  finances  of  the  Church,  preliminary  to  a 
resolution  which  he  proposed  to  offer,  brought  the  Bishop 
to  his  feet,  when,  as  Mr.  Halstead  represents,  "  he  went 
out  of  his  way  to  refer  to  me  as  Mr.  Sherman's  counsel- 
lor, and  to  say  that  he  had  understood  the  gentleman  from 
Trenton,  (meaning  me,)  had  said  he  intended  to  come  to 
the  Convention  to  see  that  the  Episcopal  Fund  was  made 
secure.  This  was  said  in  what  I  considered,  a  sneering:, 
uncourteous,  undignified,  and  unparliamentary  manner. 
I  rose  and  replied  that  it  was  true  —  that  I  had  said  so  — 
and  that  I  meant  to  have  it  secured." 

The  avowed  determination  of  the  "  gentleman  from 
Trenton,"  was  not  without  its  effect.  "  Shortly  after  this, 
one  of  the  friends  of  the  Bishop  came  to  me  and  said, 


330  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

that  if  I  wished  to  see  the  securities,  they  were  in  the 
hands  of  Mr.  Eyall,  the  chairman  of  the  committee,  and  I 
could  examine  them.  I  then  left  my  seat,  and  went  to 
the  other  side  of  the  Church  to  look  for  Mr.  Ryall,  but  be- 
fore I  could  find  him,  the  Bishop  gave  out  a  hymn,  which 
was  sung,  a  prayer  immediately  followed,  and  before  I 
could  examine  the  securities,  the  Convention  adjourned. 
I  did,  however,  examine  them,  and  found  them  entirely 
insufficient." 

The  treatment  of  Mr.  Halstead  was,  to  say  the  least, 
impolitic.  To  persons  of  a  suspicious  disposition  it  would 
have  the  appearance  of  a  manoeuvre  to  keep  them  in  ig- 
norance of  the  character  of  the  securities,  till  too  late  to 
object  to  them  in  Convention,  and  yet  to  put  him  in  pos- 
session of  them  a  few  minutes  before  adjournment,  so  as 
to  escape  the  charge  of  unwillingness  to  have  them  in- 
spected. 

ISTo  doubt  this  was  the  construction  given  by  Mr.  Hal- 
stead  and  his  friends,  and  perhaps  by  many  beyond  the 
Convention,  whom  the  unhappy  failure  of  the  Bishop,  and 
consequent  assignment  of  his  property,  had  predisposed 
to  unfavorable  conclusions. 

And  now  follows  a  recital  of  the  special  occurence  which 
determined  Mr.  Halstead  and  others  to  appeal  to  certain 
Bishops  to  enter  upon  an  inquiry  which  they  were  canon- 
ically  competent  to  institute,  and  which  the  petitioners 
deemed  indispensable  to  the  vindication  of  the  Church. 
An  inquiry  which  the  Convention  of  JSTew  Jersey  had  been 
urged  to  institute,  and  had  only  declined  because,  as  they 
alleged,  it  was  not  duly  presented  for  their  action,  but 
which  the  petitioners  were  persuaded  that  Convention  had 
evaded. 

Thus  matters  remained  until  a  few  days  previous  to  the 
Convention  which  was  held  in  Burlington,  in  May  last, 
(1851,)  when  Michael  Hays,  one  of  the  creditors  of  Bishop 
Doane,  called  upon  me  to  consult  me  professionally  in  re- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  331 

gard  to  the  recovery  of  his  debt,  and  then  stated  to  me 
the  transactions  he  had  had  with  the  Bishop,  and  also  that 
he  had  called  upon  the  Bishop  a  few  days  previous,  and 
told  him  that  if  he  did  not  comply  with  his  promise  to  him, 
that  he  should  present  a  memorial  to  the  Convention,  and 
that  the  Bishop  replied,  "  if  he  did,  he  should  put  himself 
on  his  defense,  and  that  he  (Hays)  should  get  nothing." 
Hays  then  made  up  his  mind  to  present  a  memorial  of  his 
grievances  to  the  Convention,  stating  the  Bishop's  con- 
duct towards  him ;  and  he  actually  drew  up  such  a  memo- 
rial, and  handed  it  to  me,  and  desired  me  to  present  it 
to  the  Convention.  I  consulted  with  several  members  of 
the  Convention  upon  the  propriety  of  presenting  the  me- 
morial, and  gave  it  to  a  gentleman  who  designed  present- 
ing it,  and  it  was  determined  that  I  should  speak  on  the 
presentation  of  the  memorial.  I,  with  the  other  gentle- 
man, attended  the  Convention  on  the  first  day  of  its  sit- 
ting, and  as  it  had  always  been  the  practice  of  the  Con- 
vention to  sit  two  days,  and  as,  by  the  canon  of  the  Con- 
vention, the  treasurer's  accounts  could  not  be  presented 
on  the  first  day  of  the  Convention,  and  as  it  had  been 
given  out  in  the  morning  that  there  would  be  divine  ser- 
vice in  the  evening,  it  was  fully  believed  that  no  business 
of  importance  would  be  done  that  evening.  I  therefore 
left  Burlington  in  company  with  several  other  members  of 
the  Convention,  and  returned  home,  supposing  there  would 
be  ample  time  next  day  to  have  the  memorial  presented. 
When,  however,  I  returned  to  Burlington  the  next  morn- 
ing, I  learned  to  my  surprise,  that  the  Convention  had  dis- 
pensed with  the  evening  service,  had  hurried  through  bus- 
ness,  and  without  waiting  to  receive,  or  act  on  the  treas- 
urer's accounts,  had  adjourned. 

I  have  not  the  least  doubt  that  this  sudden  adjournment 
of  the  Convenlion  was  brought  about  by  the  Bishop  and 
his  friends,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  memorial  of 
Mr.  Hays  from  being  presented  to  the  Convention.     It 


332  MEMOIR   OP  BISHOP   MEADE. 

would  extend  this  already  too  long  epistle  beyond  reason- 
able bounds  to  give  my  reasons  for  such  belief.  ItissufS.- 
eient  to  say  that  the  same  opinion  is  entertained  by  other 
members  of  the  Convention.  This  unworthy  trick,  perpe- 
trated for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  investigation  into  the 
conduct  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  ought  not,  in  my 
opinion,  to  be  allowed  to  attain  its  object,  and  I  have  felt 
that  the  proper  way  to  counteract  it  was  to  present  the 
memorial  which  has  been  transmitted  to  you." 

The  memorial  was  signed  by  William  Halstead,  Caleb 
Perkins,  Peter  Y.  Coppuck,  and  Bennington  Gill,  and  was 
addressed  to  the  Eight  Eev.  William  Meade,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Diocese  of  Yirginia ;  Eight  Eev.  Manton  East- 
burn,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Maine.  It  stated  the  considerations 
which  determined  the  subscribers  to  make  this  appeal ; 
sets  forth  nineteen  formal  charges,  with  specifications  of 
fraud  and  falsehood,  against  the  Bishop  of  New  Jersey, 
which,  the  subscribers  add,  "  we  believe  can  be  sustained 
by  proof,  and  we  therefore  present  them  to  you,  that  you 
may  take  such  measures,  in  accordance  with  the  canons  of 
the  Church,  as  your  ofScial  duty  and  your  well  known  de- 
votion, to  the  welfare  of  the  Church  may  seem  to  you  to 
require.'^ 

Annexed  to  the  charges  and  specifications  is  an  affidavit 
of  Michael  Hays,  in  reference  to  the  false  pretences  by 
which,  as  he  alleged.  Bishop  Doane  had  obtained  from 
him  large  sums  of  money  —  the  rough  treatment  he  had 
experienced,  when  insisting  on  payment,  and  the  manner 
in  which  the  memorial  he  had  prepared  to  be  presented 
to  the  Convention  had  been  frustrated  by  its  extraordin- 
arily early  and  sudden  adjournment. 

The  consideration  to  which  the  document  from  the  four 
gentlemen  of  New  Jersey  was  entitled,  depended  on  their 
character  and  position.  On  these  points,  the  Bishops  ap- 
plied to  would  need  satisfactory  information,  before  com- 
mitting themselves  to  a  procedure  of  so  much  delicacy,  and 


MEMOIR   OP  BISHOP   MEADE.  333 

difficulty.     A  certificate  from  the  Eev.  Mr.  Sherman,  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Starr,  furnished  the  requisite  assurance. 

New  Jersey,  Aug.  18,  1851. 
Rt.  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : 

The  undersigned,  Presbyters  of  the  Diocese  of  New  Jersey,  herewith 
transmit  to  you  a  document  signed  by  sundry  persons,  strangers  to  your- 
self; and  to  the  intent  that  our  evidence  may  be  accorded  them  in  the  pre- 
mises, take  this  method  of  vouching  to  you  for  their  respectable  position  as 
communicants  in  the  Church,  and  we  would  hereby  assure  you,  that  from 
our  personal  knowledge  of  those  gentlemen,  their  statements  are  entitled  to 
the  fullest  confidence.  It  may  be  well  also  to  state  in  this  connection,  that 
they  are  all  resident  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Burlington,  and  that  each 
of  them  is  a  member  of  the  vestry  in  their  several  parishes,  to  wit :  Hon. 
Wm.  Halstead,  Trenton ;  Mr.  Perkins,  Beverly ;  Mr.  Coppuck,  Mt.  Holly  ; 
and  Mr.  Gill,  Allantown.  As  it  is  desirable,  on  several  accounts,  that  at 
this  stage  of  the  business  our  names  should  not  appear  as  acting  in  the 
premises,  we  beg  that  you  will  consider  this  as  confidential,  and  merely  as 
your  voucher  for  a  favorable  consideration  of  the  individuals  of  whom  we 
have  testified.  "We  are,  Rt.  Rev.  Sir, 
Your  obedient  servants, 

Henry  B.  Sherman, 

Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Belleville. 

Samuel  Starr, 
Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church,  Trenton. 

At  an  early  period,  some  of  the  complainants  in  Il^ew 
Jersey  solicited  the  views  of  Bishop  Meade  as  to  the  pro- 
per mode  of  proceeding.  They  are  clearly  expressed  in 
the  following  reply : 

"It  is  not,  as  many  suppose,  the  duty  of  the  Bishops  to 
forward  and  take  the  first  steps  in  a  presentment.  It  is 
evidently  the  province  of  the  Diocesan  Convention  to  en- 
quire into  any  evil  reports  of  a  Bishop,  and  present  him 
for  trial,  should  there  be  cause.  In  the  event  of  neglect 
on  the  part  of  the  Convention,  then,  any  individual  or  in- 
dividuals, believing  that  there  is  sufficient  cause,  are  bound 
to  present  to  three  bishops  whom  they  may  select,  and 
such  bishops,  without  sufficient  excuse,  are  bound  in  duty 
to  act,  if  there  appear  to  be  justifiable  grounds  for  a  pre- 
sentment." 


334  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

When  he  was  informed  by  a  letter  from  a  clergyman  in 
'New  Jersey  that  he  would  be  applied  to  as  one  of  three 
Bishops  to  take  canonical  action  in  the  case  of  Bishop  Doane, 
his  answer  was  just  what  those  who  knew  him  would 
have  predicted — the  expression  of  strong  aversion,  and 
earnest  desire  to  be  excused  from  the  painful  service  pro- 
posed, enforced  by  a  reference  to  his  recent  laborious  and 
distressing  duties  in  connection  with  a  similar  case,  and 
yet  no  decision  to  avoid  by  a  positive  refusal  what  he  knew 
must  prove  a  toilsome,  sorrowful  and  invidious  undertak- 
ing. If  the  offences  alleged  were  of  a  character  calling 
for  such  inquiry,  and  were  properly  brought  to  his  notice, 
his  conscience  would  not  permit  him  to  withhold  himself 
from  the  office  proposed. 

Millwood,  Feb.  18,  1851. 
Eev.  and  Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  the  12th  reached  me  by  the  last  mail,  and  I  have,  I  hope,  in 
the  fear  of  God  and  with  a  desire  to  do  my  duty,  considered  its  contents. 
You  intimate  that  I  will  be  called  on  as  one  of  three  Bishops,  to  confer  as 
to  the  propriety  of  presenting  Bishop  Doane.  If  there  be  any  of  the  Bish- 
ops who,  on  account  of  past  action  and  sacrifice  of  time  and  means  in  such 
a  painful  duty,  ought  to  be  excused,  and  who,  for  various  reasons,  might 
wish  to  be  excused,  it  is  surely  myself,  and  I  hope  the  gentlemen  about  to 
move  in  this  business  will  find  enough  without  me  who  are  better  qualified 
for  it.  Nevertheless,  when  I  consider  the  great  distance  of  many  of  the 
Bishops  from  your  Diocese,  the  youth  of  others,  and  the  relations  of  some 
of  them  to  Bishop  Doane,  and  the  difficulty  of  inducing  any  to  engage  in 
so  painful  a  work,  I  do  not  feel  at  liberty  positively  to  refuse.  If,  there- 
fore, respectable  persons,  as  in  the  case  of  Bishop  Onderdonk  of  New  York, 
call  on  myself  and  others  to  examine  into  such  charges  as  those  mentioned 
in  your  published  defence,  and  such  as  have  been  set  forth  in  the  public 
papers,  and  otherwise,  concerning  business  transactions,  and  shall  promise 
them  aid  in  the  investigation,  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  necessary  to  its 
proper  execution,  I  shall  feel  bound  to  meet  with  such  of  my  brother  Bish- 
ops as  shall  be  selected,  at  Philadelphia,  New  York,  or  such  place  in  New 
Jersey,  as  may  seem  best,  and  inquire  into  the  matter  which  shall  be  pre- 
sented to  us.  The  probability  of  getting  Bishops  to  act  will  doubtless  de- 
pend much  on  the  matter  contained  in  the  letter  which  shall  be  addressed 
to  them. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  335 

Praying  that  God  may  guide  all  who  are  engaged  in  this  most  distress- 
ing business,  into  the  most  proper  way  of  doing  it,  I  remain, 

Yours  in  Christ, 

W.  Meade, 

The  bishops  who  at  first  agreed  to  act  in  the  application 
were  Bishops  Meade,  Eastburn  and  Burgess.  Their  dis- 
tance from  each  other  made  it  necessary  to  confer  chiefly 
by  correspondence.  The  first  conclusion  to  which  they 
came  is  indicated  by  the  following  extracts : 

Bishop  Easthurn  to  Bishop  Meade. 

(Boston,  Sept.  4,  1851.) — "You  will  hear  from  Bishop  Burgess  the  re- 
sult of  our  conference  here  on  Tuesday  last  in  relation  to  the  dreadful 
business  laid  before  us."  ''  What  would  you  think  of  a  communication 
addressed  by  us  to  Doane,  urging  upon  him  to  ask  from  his  Convention  a 
committee  of  investigation  ?  What  are  the  objections  which  strike  you  ? 
Would  it  not,  if  unregarded,  place  us  in  a  favorable  attitude  before  the 
Church  and  the  community  ?  and  if  attended  to,  what  more  could  be  de- 
sired?" 

From  Bishop  Burgess  to  Bishop  Meade. 

(Gardner,  Sept.  9,  1851.) — "I  went  up  to  Boston  on  purpose  to  see 
Bishop  Eastburn,  and  we  made  the  subject  one  of  very  anxious  conference, 
and  consulted  two  laymen  of  the  highest  Christian  character  ;  one  a  mer- 
cantile man,  the  other  a  lawyer.  The  result  of  our  reflections,  so  far  as  we 
arrived  at  any,  was  favorable  to  the  course  of  communicating  with  Bishop 
Doane,  and  calling  on  him  to  present  the  charges  to  his  own  Diocese  for  a 
fair  investigation.  I  am  clearly  in  favor  of  this  course,  after  having 
studied  the  question  of  my  duty  with  most  earnest  attention  and  continued 
prayer."  *  *  "Should  he  refuse  to  seek  or  permit  a  full  and  fair 
investigation,  the  matter  would  still  be  in  our  power ;  and  we  should  then 
stand  before  the  public  free  from  all  obloquy,  and  compelled  either  to  pro- 
nounce the  charges  inadequately  sustained,  or  to  act.  In  such  a  matter  I 
should  wish  to  act  only  under  compulsion  of  one  kind  or  another. 

' '  Should  this  course  be  satisfactory  to  you,  much  trouble  will  be  spared 
us,  and  I  suppose  that  it  would  be  sufficient  for  you  to  communicate  with 
Mr.  Halstead,  and  then  to  prepare  a  document  addressed  to  Bishop  Doane, 
which  we  all  might  sign.  But  I  should  wish,  in  such  a  document,  very 
clearly  to  express  our  sense  of  the  conduct  imputed  by  these  charges,  and 
even  of  that  part  which  has  long  been  made  public  and  not  denied,  and  to 
show  that  no  general  vote  of  a  Convention,  without  an  ample  and  hon®  t 


336  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

inquiry,  would  be  viewed  by  us  as  withdrawing  the  subject  from  our 
hands." 

Concurring  with  the  views  of  Bishops  Eastburn  and 
Burgess,  Bishop  Meade  prepared  a  letter  in  conformity  to 
their  suggestions,  signed  it  and  forwarded  it  for  their  sig- 
natures, and  then  to  be  sent  to  Bishop  Doane. 

In  a  letter  to  Bishop  Meade  from  Bishop  Burgess  (Bath, 
Sept.  17,  1851),  he  writes: 

"The  letter  strikes  me  as  admirably  worded,  and  in  the  yery  tone  which 
I  would  have  desired,  and  which  is  best  adapted  to  its  purpose.  That  it 
will  lead  Bishop  Doane  to  ask  the  investigation,  I  am  by  no  means  confi- 
dent. But,  whatever  be  the  result,  this  course  is  satisfactory  to  my  eon- 
science,  as  one,  which,  while  it  is  faithful  to  the  discipline  of  the  Church, 
is  the  kindest  towards  him,  and  it  approves  itself  to  my  judgment  as  adapt- 
ed to  take  away  all  cause  of  resentment  on  the  part  of  his  Diocese,  and  to 
show  to  all  the  Church,  that,  if  compelled  to  institute  inquiry,  we  did  it 
not  from  any  motive  of  theological  or  ecclesiastical  opposition,  but  only 
from  the  plainest  compulsion  of  duty,  and  after  every  other  resource  had 
been  exhausted. 

Would  to  God  that  our  brother  would,  first  in  his  own  secret  chamber, 
and  then  before  his  Diocese,  offer  that  full  and  humble  acknowledgment 
of  all  which  has  been  wrong,  as  much,  be  it  more  or  less,  must  have  been, 
which  might  bring  peace  to  him,  and  them,  and  all  of  us,  through  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  !  I  am,  with  great  respect  and  affection. 
Your  brother  in  the  Lord, 

George  Burgess." 

The  next  letter  from  Bishop  Eastburn  simply  signified 
his  resolve  to  take  no  part  in  the  proceeding  : 

Boston,  Sept.  29,  1851. 
Rt.  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : 

Your  communications  have  all  been  received  safely.  I  write  this,  how- 
ever, to  let  you  know  that  I  have  determined,  after  the  most  careful  re- 
flection, to  take  no  steps  in  the  matter  of  the  charges  against  Bishop  Doane, 
sent  to  us  from  New  Jersey. 

I  have  also  written  this  day  to  Bishop  Burgess,  communicating  to  him 
the  above.     I  am. 

Your  faithful  brother, 

Manton  Eastburn. 
The  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  Meade,  D.  D. 


.    MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  337 

This  sudden  abandonment  of  the  Bishop  of  Massachu- 
setts necessarily  occasioned  embarrassment  and  delay.  At 
length,  however,  the  vacancy  was  supplied  by  the  acces- 
sion of  the  Bishop  of  Ohio,  who,  after  much  hesitation 
arising  from  personal  considerations,  concluded  to  co-ope- 
rate with  the  Bishops  of  Yirginia  and  Maine,  and  affixed 
his  name  to  the  letter  bearing  the  date,  September  22, 
1851,  the  day  on  which  it  was  signed  by  Bishop  Burgess. 
This  letter  was  delivered  by  a  special  messenger  at  Bishop 
Doane's  house,  to  one  of  his  domestics  (who  said  the  Bish- 
op was  at  dinner),  on  the  2d  instant : 

Sept.  22,  1851. 
To  the  Rt.  Rev.  George  Washington  Doane. 

Rt.  Rev.  ami,  Dear  Sir  : 

We,  the  undersigned,  your  brethren  in  the  Episcopate,  have  recently  re- 
ceived from  certain  lay  members  of  our  Church  in  the  Diocese  of  New  Jer- 
sey, a  communication*  calling  upon  us  to  perform  the  painful  duty  of 
making  inquiry  into  the  truth  of  reports  in  relation  to  yourself,  which  have 
been  in  circulation  for  some  years  past.  This  we  are  requested  to  do,  in 
order  that  we  may  determine  whether  it  may  not  be  proper  to  institute  a 
trial  according  to  the  Canon  of  the  General  Convention  provided  for  that 
purpose.  Such  is  the  character,  and  so  great  is  the  number  of  the  charges 
specified  in  that  document,  that  we  do  not  feel  ourselves  at  liberty  to  decline 
the  call  thus  made  upon  us,  unless  the  object  thereof  can  be  attained  in 
some  other  way,  which  shall  satisfy  the  reasonable  demands  of  complainants 
in  your  Diocese,  and  in  the  Church  at  large. 

In  order  to  relieve  ourselves  from  a  most  distressing  duty,  we  have  de- 
termined to  appeal  to  you,  in  the  hope  that  you  will  take  prompt  and  ef- 
fectual measures  for  carrying  into  operation  what  must  have  been  the 
expectation  of  the  Church  in  her  canon  for  the  trial  of  a  Bishop,  viz  :  That 
action  shall  first  take  place  in  Diocesan  Conventions. 

It  appears  to  us,  that  it  is  only  when  a  Diocesan  Convention  refuses  to 
institute  inquiry,  or  neglects  to  do  it  for  too  long  a  period,  or  performs  the 
duty  unfaithfully,  that  the  Bishops  can  be  reasonably  expected  to  interfere. 
It  is  true,  that  in  the  present  case,  as  the  above  mentioned  document  sets 
forth,  and  as  has  been  otherwise  made  known  to  us,  it  has  been  wished  and 
attempted  to  induce  the  Convention  of  New  Jersey  to  take  this  subject  into 
consideration,  and  that  the  effort  has  been  resisted  and  prevented ;  never- 

*  The  communication  of  Mr.  Halstead  and  others,  including  charges 
and  specifications,  accompanied  the  above  letter. 

15 


338  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

theless,  so  reluctant  are  we  to  engage  in  a  task  so  painful  as  that  set  before 
us,  that  we  have  resolved  to  advise  and  urge  you  to  have,  without  delay, 
a  Special  Convention  for  the  purpose  of  a  full  investigation  of  all  that  has 
been,  or  may  be,  laid  to  your  charge,  whether  in  the  document  we  trans- 
mit to  you,  or  otherwise.  It  is  also  our  duty,  as  your  brethren,  and  as 
Bishops  of  the  Church,  most  earnestly  to  impress  it  on  your  mind,  that 
such  is  the  nature  of  the  charges  made  against  you  in  that  document,  and 
of  the  same  and  similar  reports,  which  for  years  have  been  in  circulation, 
to  the  great  grief  of  many,  and  the  injury  of  religion,  that  nothing  else  can 
satisfy  others,  and  relieve  yourself  from  the  suspicion  of  great  guilt,  but 
the  appointment  by  the  Convention  of  an  impartial  and  intelligent  com- 
mittee, in  whom  great  confidence  will  be  reposed  —  with  instructions  to 
make  the  fullest  investigation  of  .the  evil  reports  which  are.  and  have  been 
assailing  your  character  and  conduct.  We  feel  bound  to  say,  that  no  mere 
report  of  a  committee,  or  vote  of  a  Convention,  declaring  a  belief  of  jouv 
innocency,  and  that  an  inquiry  is  unnecessary,  will  suffice  for  your  reputa- 
tion or  give  satisfaction  to  the  j^blic.  We  are  persuaded  that  nothing  but 
such  an  investigation  as  that  which  we  have  described  and  recommended, 
can  either  satisfy  those  whom  you  may  deem  unfriendly  to  you,  or  relieve 
the  minds  of  many  anxious  and  distressed  friends.  Should  such  a  course 
as  we  have  pointed  out  be  pursued  by  you,  and  either  a  presentment  made, 
or  sufficient  reason  be  assigned  why  it  is  not  merited  —  we,  your  brethren, 
who  have  been  sought  out  for  the  purpose,  and  have  most  reluctantly  con- 
sented to  take  any  part  in  it,  will  be  rejoiced  to  be  relieved  from  the  most 
trying  duty  which  could  possibly  be  laid  upon  us. 

Sincerel}'  praying  that  you  may  be  able  to  disprove,  or  satisfactorily  to 
explain,  the  things  laid  to  your  charge,  or  else  have  grace  from  God  to 
acknowledge  whatever  has  been  done  amiss  —  we  remain  your  friends  and 
brethren  in  the  ministry  of  Christ, 

William  Meade, 

Bishop  of  the  P.  E.  C.  of  Va. 

George  Burgess, 
Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  in  Maine. 

Chas.  p.  McIlvaine, 
Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  in  Ohio." 

The  private  response  to  this  letter  was  significant,  though 
short: — 

"  Bishop  Doane  sends  his  '  determination  '  to  Bishop  Meade  by  the  mail, 
which  bears  this  note. 

"Riverside,  16  Feb.,  1852." 


MEMOIR    or   BISHOP    MEADE.  339 

The  "  determination  "  of  Bishop  Doane  appears  in  a 
pamphlet  of  fifty-two  pages,  entitled  "  Bishoj)  Doane's  Pro- 
test, Appeal  and  Eeply."  It  contains,  1st.  The  letter  of 
the  three  Bishops  transmitting  the  charges  and  specifica- 
tions as  furnished  by  the  four  gentlemen  of  ISTew  Jersey, 
and  counseling  the  Bishop  to  adopt  the  only  course  which, 
in  their  opinion,  would  satisfactorily  dispose  of  the  com- 
plaints. 

2nd.  A  document  with  a  superscription  to  the  three 
Bishojjs  by  name,  and  signed  simply — "  G.  W.  Doane, 
Bishoj)  of  New  Jersey."  This  document  speaks  of,  but  not 
to  the  three  Bishops,  and  seems  really  not  to  be  addressed 
to  them,  but  to  others  whom  it  may  concern.  It  complains 
of  their  taking  "action  against  a  Bishop  on  the  shewing  of 
four  persons."  They  were  credibly  informed  that  many 
others  could  easily  be  procured,  but  the  four,  from  their 
personal  character  and  position,  were  deemed  sufficient  to 
justify  inquiry.  It  complains  of  their  presuming  to  dictate 
to  him  under  the  menace  of  a  presentment,  the  calling  of  a 
special  meeting  of  the  Convention  —  "its  object" — "how 
it  shall  be  sought  " — "  the  character  of  the  committee,"  &c. 

Although  the  Bishop  mistakes  what  was  meant  merely 
as  fraternal  counsel,  to  present  a  deeply-to-be-deprecated, 
but  otherwise  unavoidable  alternative,  for  dictation  and 
menace,  which  w^ould  have  been  both  sinful  and  silly,  yet, 
it  must  be  admitted,  the  minuteness  of  detail  "with  which 
the  advice  was  given  might  be  viewed  as  not  very  com- 
plimentary to  the  perception  and  principles  of  the  Bishop 
and  his  Convention.  One  cannot  suppress  the  wish  that 
the  particularity  of  suggestion,  which  was  liable  to  be 
misapprehended,  and  w^hen  misapprehended,  to  irritate  a 
mind  already  disquieted,  could  have  been  avoided.  But,  no 
doubt,  the  particularity  was  deemed  necessary,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  previous  proceedings  of  the  Convention,  the 
members  of  which  had  so  decidedly  expressed  their  opinion 
of  the  entire  innocence  of  their  Bishop,  that  it  was  fair  to 


340  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

conclude,  they  would  not,  if  left  to  themselves,  regard 
farther  action  in  the  case,  either  requisite  or  proper.  They 
had,  moreover,  by  the  vote  which  "  no  one  could  mistake 
the  import  of,"  committed  themselves  to  the  position  taken 
by  Mr.  A.  Gifford,  Judge  Ogden,  and  the  Eev.  Mr.  Ogilby, 
that  for  the  Convention  to  attempt  to  touch  or  reach  the 
subject  by  any  action  of  its  own,  without  specific  and  pre- 
cise charges  presented  by  some  responsible  accuser,  would 
be  "wholly  uncanonical,  unconstitutional  and  iniquitous." 
It  was  therefore  deemed  necessary  by  the  three  Bishops 
to  be  both  particular  and  emphatic  in  advising  the  agency 
of  the  Convention  in  making  inquiry,  as  the  only  inquest 
by  which  they  could  be  relieved  from  the  painful  duty  — 
and  also,  as  the  confidence  of  the  Convention  in  the  inno- 
cency  of  their  Bishoj)  had  been  loudly  declared,  that  the 
committee  of  inquiry  should  be  carefully  so  constituted  as 
to  avoid  the  possibility  of  being  suspected  of  personal  par- 
tiality, or  of  any  improper  bias,  if  their  finding  should  be 
favorable. 

The  Bishop  reviles  them  as  the  triumviral  papacy  of 
Virginia,  Maine,  and  Ohio  —  treats  their  advice  as  insult- 
ing, and  their  professions  as  insincere,  more  than  insinuat- 
ing that,  all  the  while,  the  real  secret  of  their  earnestness 
to  have  the  presentment  made  by  the  Convention,  might 
be  their  anxiety  "to  save  their  votes  for  use  upon  the 
trial."  The  closing  paragraph  proclaims  —  "the  three 
Bishops  have  mistaken  their  man.  The  undersigned  has 
not  asked  their  advice,  and  will  not  submit  to  their  urgency. 
Least  of  all  will  he  listen  to  their  advice  or  endure  their 
urgency  under  the  enforcement  of  a  threat.  'No  such 
special  Convention  will  be  called  by  him,"  &c. 

Bishop  Doane  must  have  strangely  "  mistaken  his  men," 
if  he  allowed  himself  to  suppose  that  either  of  them  would 
be  deterred  from  the  alternative  which  they  had  indicated, 
by  the  utterances  of  "surprise,  heated  to  indignation"  — 
or  by  scornful  defiance. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  341 

The  second  document  in  the  pamphlet,  which  is  as  re- 
markable as  the  first,  is  his  "Protest,"  as  aggrieved  by  the 
three  Bishops.  To  this  is  annexed  his  "Appeal"  to  the 
Diocesan  and  Missionary  Bishops  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  United  States,  each  one  being  named 
with  his  title,  and  also  to  all  and  singular,  the  Bishops  of 
the  "Eeformed  Catholic  Church  in  all  the  world." 

The  "  Protest "  is  against  "  the  procedure  in  regard  to 
him,  as  heretofore  set  forth  in  the  document  bearing  their 
signatures"  —  which  procedure  he  denounces  as  uncanoni- 
cal,  unchristian^  and  inhuman. 

1st.  Uncanonical  being  an  unauthorized  intrusion  into 
his  Diocese,  contrary  to  the  canons  of  the  ancient  Church, 
and  the  constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States,  which  ordain  that  every  Bishop  of 
the  Church  shall  confine  the  exercise  of  his  Episcopal 
office  to  his  proper  Diocese,  and  further,  being  an  in-  ■ 
vasion  of  the  rights  of  the  Convention  of  New  Jersey,  to 
whom  primarily  it  pertained,  to  proceed  against  their 
Bishop,  and  who,  having  declined  such  proceeding  as 
unnecessary,  precluded  all  action  on  the  part  of  any  three 
Bishops. 

It  is  preposterous  to  represent  the  action  of  the  three 
Bishops  as  an  uncanonical  intrusion^  when  the  canon  "  of 
the  Trial  of  a  Bishop,"  expressly  provides  that  a  "present- 
ment maybe  made  by  "three  Bishops,"  which  certainly  in- 
volves the  right  to  take  such  preliminary  steps  as  may  be 
requisite  to  enable  them  to  judge  if  a  presentment  be  ne- 
cessary. And  where  can  such  inquiry  be  so  properly  made 
as  in  the  Diocese  and  in  the  localities  where  the  offences 
are  said  to  have  been  committed,  and  the  reputed  wit- 
nesses are  to  be  found.  Unless  authorized  to  make  such 
investigation,  no  three  Bishops  would  ever  presume  to 
venture  on  making  a  presentment  for  crime  and  immor- 
ality. 

As  to  the  prior  right  of  the  Convention,  it  is  unrecog- 


342  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

nized  by  the  canon,  which  simply  provides  "  Said  present- 
ment may  be  made  by  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese^''  and  it 
may  also  be  made  by  "  any  three  Bishops  of  this  Churchy 
They  are  concurrent  inquests,  each  authorized  to  make  a 
presentment ;  of  course,  if  not  already  made  by  the  other. 
I^ot,  if  not  already  considered — or  considered  and  deemed 
necessary  by  the  other,  but  if  not  made.  Nothing  short  of 
positive  action  by  one  inquest  can  be  a  bar  to  the  action 
of  the  other,  or,  it  would  be  in  the  power  of  a  Convention, 
by  a  hasty  resolution,  that  "  no  presentment  was  necessa- 
ry," to  pi'eclude  all  action  by  "  any  three  Bishops,"  and  so 
shelter  a  Bishop  from  trial,  and  defeat  the  very  purpose  of 
the  provision  of  an  alternate  presenting  power.  The  Con- 
vention of  New  Jersey  had  made  no  presentment — had 
declined  originating  inquiry — had  prejudged  the  case,  by 
pronouncing  their  Bishop  innocent,  and  three  years  had 
so  elapsed,  when,  on  the  complaint  of  the  four  gentlemen 
from  New  Jersey,  the  three  Bishops  concluded  that  an  in- 
quiry was  indispensable,  and  resolved  that  if  the  Conven- 
tion, by  whom  it  could  be  most  advantageously  conducted, 
could  not  be  induced  so  to  proceed — they  must  perform 
the  painful  duty  themselves.  Only  a  vision  so  disturbed 
as  to  see  things  which  are  not,  could,  in  such  action,  see 
anything  to  be  denounced  as  uncanonical. 

2nd.  But  the  Bishop  further  protests  that  the  action  of 
the  three  Bishops  was  unchristian,  being  contrary  to  our 
Lord's  injunction  —  "If  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against 
thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone, 
and  if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother. 
But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  take  with  thee  one  iDr  two 
more,  that  in  the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses,  every 
word  may  be  established.  And  if  he  neglect  to  hear  them, 
tell  it  unto  the  Church."  Yet,  though  some  of  the  reports 
had  been  in  circulation  several  years,  "  no  one  of  the  three 
Bishops  ever  told  him  his  fault  alone,  or  came  with  two 
or  three  to  tell  him"  —  "or  uttered  a  word  or  addressed 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  343 

a  line  to  him  of  admonition  or  expostulation,  or  even  of 
inquiry." 

The  misapplication  of  our  Lord's  injunction  is  palpable. 
The  offences  charged  were  not  personal  wrongs  to  each  of 
the  three  Bishops,  and  of  which  each  was  cognizant.  They 
professed  to  know  of  these  offences  only  by  public  rumor, 
and  the  representations  of  persons  entitled  to  considera- 
tion. They  were  not  2:)repared  to  say  that  they  believed 
those  representations,  for  they  had  not  yet  heard  the  tes- 
timony on  which  they  were  said  to  rest.  They  could  not 
go  to  the  Bishop  to  "  tell  him  of  his  fault."  There  is  no 
parallel  between  the  case  contemplated  by  our  Lord,  and 
the  one  now  in  view.  But  the  true  spirit  of  the  injunction 
was  regarded.  Though  they  did  not  go  to  him  alone,  they 
did  what,  under  the  circumstances,  was  more  judicious,  and 
calculated,  as  most  would  suppose,  to  be  more  agreeable. 
They  wrote  to  him  a  private  letter,  "  between  them  and 
him  alone,"  and  which,  but  for  his  own  action,  might  have 
remained  unknown  except  to  the  parties  themselves. 
When  he  allowed  himself  to  misapprehend  the  intent  and 
spirit  of  the  communication,  and  forthwith  published  it  to 
the  world,  denouncing  them  as  a  "  triumviral  papacy,"  it 
is  not  difficult  to  determine  where  the  charge  of  unchristian 
action  justly  belongs. 

3rd.  The  action  of  the  three  Bishops  is  protested  against 
as  inhurnan,  because  they  chose  for  it  a  time  when  they 
knew  he  was  suffering  from  pecuniary  embarrassment  and 
severe  domestic  bereavement.  But,  very  evidently,  the 
three  Bishops  were  not  responsible  for  determining  the 
time.  They  could  not  act  till  complaint  was  made  to  them 
by  the  four  gentlemen  of  New  Jersey,  and,  when  thus  for- 
mally addressed,  they  acted  with  as  much  promptness  as 
the  nature  of  the  case,  and  the  delay  occasioned  by  their 
distance  from  each  other,  permitted.  In  the  baseless  im- 
putation to  them  of  a  delrberate  design  to  strike  him  in  his 
sorrow,  that  the  stroke  might  be  more  severe,  there  is  as 


344  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

little  humanity  as  there  would  have  been  in  the  cruel 
course  ascribed  to  the  three  Bishops. 

Such  were  the  points  of  the  Protest,  which,  "  as  in  the 
immediate  presence  of  the  judgment,"  Bishop  Doane  "de- 
liberately subscribed  "  on  the  5th  of  February,  1852. 

In  his  Appeal,  he  speaks  as  one  "  in  whom  the  sacred 
order  of  Bishops  had  been  insulted,  and  the  first  principles 
of  our  Diocesan  Episcopacy,  as  handed  down  to  us  by  Jesus 
Christ,  have  been  disregarded,  the  sovereignty  of  Dioceses 
invaded,  and  the  independence  of  Diocesan  Conventions 
laid  under  dictation."  In  this  appeal  to  his  ''  brethren  in 
the  Episcopate,"  he  professes  to  ask  nothing  for  himself — 
it  is  for  the  "  House  of  God,  and  the  officers  thereof."  If 
the  action  against  him  is  warranted,  "What  Bishop  can  be 
safe,  what  Diocese  secure  ?"  He  "  would  rouse  his  breth- 
ren all"  to  the  alarming  inroad  which  is  now  attempted  on 
the  peace,  the  freedom,  and  the  order  of  the  Church," 
through  a  "triumvirate  of  tyrants."  He  "could  never  rest 
on  his  pillow,  nor  go  in  hope  to  his  grave,  nor  look  for 
micrcy  at  that  day,  did  he  not  call  on  his  brethren  in  the 
Episcopate,  to  see  to  it,  on  the  peril  of  their  consecration 
vows,  that  this  high-handed  undertaking  be  frowned  down." 
In  closing,  he  declares,  "as  under  the  immediate  eye  of 
God,"  "his  entire  and  perfect  integrity  and  innocence,  as 
to  all  and  singular,  the  charges  made  against  him." 

But  for  the  preceding  narrative,  no  reader  would  be  pre- 
pared to  admit  that  the  Protest  and  Appeal,  and  all  the  hot 
blasts  with  which  they  abound,  could  have  been  occasioned 
by  a  professedly  fraternal  letter  from  three  of  his  brethren 
in  the  Episcopate,  informing  him  that  charges  with  speci- 
fications had  been  laid  before  them  by  four  respectable 
gentlemen  of  his  Diocese,  that  they  might  inquire  concern- 
ing them,  and  take  such  canonical  action  as  they  might 
think  necessary,  and  further,  that  the  three  Bishops  ad- 
vised him  to  relieve  them  from  the  painful  process,  by 
having  the  inquiry  properly  made  by  his  own  Convention. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  345 

The  reply  to  what  are  styled  "  the  false,  calumnious  and 
malignant  charges  of  William  Halstead,  Caleb  Perkins, 
Peter  Y.  Coppuck  and  Bennington  Gill/'  occupies  thirty- 
two  of  the  fifty-two  pages  of  the  pamphlet.  In  the  intro- 
ductory paragraph,  the  four  laymen  are  defamed  as  having 
desperately  plunged  into  the  depth  and  darkness  of  a  flood 
of  falsehood,  calumny  and  malignity,"  and  "the  writer" 
is  lauded  as  occupying  "  the  ground  of  perfect  honesty  of 
purpose,  and  unreserved  and  ruinous  self-sacrifice,"  from 
which  he  "  might  challenge  the  world." 

"The  writer"  then  gives  a  history  of  his  Episcopate, 
with  its  fruits,  and  of  his  enterprises  for  Christian  educa- 
tion, with  the  trials  and  ultimate  failure  in  which  they  in- 
volved him,  and  which  furnished  occasion  for  many  of  the 
grave  charges  which  the  four  laymen  had  brought  before 
the  three  Bishops  for  canonical  inquiry.  These  charges 
and  specifications  are  noticed  in  order,  with  such  answers 
as  the  Bishop  thought  proper  to  make,  but  without  docu- 
mentary or  other  proof  of  the  correctness  of  his  expla- 
nations. 

The  last  page  of  the  answer  is  devoted  to  the  four  lay- 
nden  and  the  three  Bishops.  The  parting  words  for  the 
laymen  are :  "  They  have  distilled  in  secret  the  poison 
of  their  hearts,  and  they  now  commend  the  chalice  to 
his  lips  with  the  astounding  declaration,  '  We  are  actu- 
ated by  no  motives  of  personal  hostility  against  the 
Bishop.'  " 

Of  the  three  Bishops,  for  relying  on  the  authority  of  the 
four  laymen,  he  says :  "  Fearful  indeed  the  reckoning  they 
will  have  to  meet."  "  For  interfering  with  him  in  his  va- 
rious duties,  disturbing  the  peace  and  quiet  of  the  Church, 
for  their  aggression  in  the  Diocese  of  New  Jersey  " — "  for 
the  whole  amount  and  all  the  shapes,  and  every  incident 
and  consequence  of  this  enormous  wrong,  the  undersigned 
holds  as  responsible  the  Bishops  of  Virginia,  Maine,  and 
Ohio,  accuses  them  before  Christendom,  and  summons 
15* 


346  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

them,  in  all  solemnity  and  sorrow,  before  the  judgment- 
seat  of  God." 

George  W.  Doane, 

Bishop  of  New  Jersey. 
Riverside,  9  February,  1852. 

The  Bishop  of  Hew  Jersey,  alluding  to  the  advice  of  the 
three  Bishops  in  reference  to  calling  a  special  Convention 
to  investigate  the  charges  which  they  had  transmitted  to 
him,  had  declared  very  emphatically,  "  No  such  special 
Convention  shall  Ir^  called  by  him."  A  special  Conven- 
tion, however,  he  did  forthwith  call,  to  be  held  in  St.  Mary's 
Church,  Burlington,  on  the  17th  of  March,  not  indeed  to 
examine  into  the  ni'^eteen  charges  with  specifications,  but 
*' to  consider  and  express  their  judgment  on  the  official 
conduct  of  the  Bi-jnops  of  Yirginia,  Ohio,  and  Maine,  as 
touching  the  rights  of  the  Bishops  and  the  Diocese  in  dic- 
tating a  course  of  action  to  be  pursued  by  them.  * 

The  special  Convention  met  at  the  time  and  place  desig- 
nated. Diocesan  Id  dependence  and  its  invasion  by  the 
three  Bishops  formed  the  burden  of  the  Bishop's  address. 

To  this  the  Convention  responded  by  resolving  that 
they  approved  the  refusal  of  the  Bishop  to  call  a  special 
Convention  to  examine  the  charges  against  him;  "that 
the  official  action  of  those  Eight  Eeverend  Bishops  (the 
three),  is,  in  the  judgment  of  this*  body,  unwarranted  by 
any  canon  law  or  usage  of  the  Church  ; "  "  that  in  refer- 
ence to  the  subject  matter  of  the  alleged  charges  against 
our  Bishop,  this  Convention  has  entire  confidence  in  the 
uprightness  of  character  and  purity  of  intention,  which 
have  actuated  him  during  his  Episcopate ;"  "  that  whilst 
the  Bishop  has  eve^  avowed  his  willingness,"  "and  the  Con- 
vention ever  been  ready  for  an  "investigation  of  any  charges 
duly  made  and  presented,"  yet  the  best  interests  of  the  di- 
ocese, and  of  th:  <Jhurch  at  large,  require  no  such  pro- 
ceedings. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  347 

When  it  is  recollected  that  this  Convention  had  on  its 
table  nineteen  charges,  with  twenty-nine  specifications, 
preferred  by  four  communicants  of  the  Church,  with  the 
declaration  of  their  belief  that  these  charges  could  be  sus- 
tained by  proof,  and,  when  it  is  recollected  that  these  had 
been  forwarded  by  three  Bishops,  with  their  urgent  advice 
that  they  should  be  fully  investigated,  then  the  resolutions 
of  the  Convention  would  seem  to  justify  any  measure  of 
surprise  and  regret. 

The  Bishop  and  Convention,  willing  and  ready  to  inves- 
tigate any  charges  duly  made  and  presented,  and  yet,  with 
nineteen  charges,  and  twenty-nine  specifications,  formally 
offered  for  this  purpose,  no  action  had,  and  no  notice  of 
them  taken  !  If  a  canon  of  the  diocese  restricted  the  ac- 
tion of  the  special  Convention  to  the  object  for  which  it 
was  called,  "  to  consider  and  express  their  judgment  on  the 
conduct"  of  the  three  Bishops,  then  why,  without  any 
investigation  of  the  charges,  introduce  the  resolution  con- 
cerning their  entire  confidence  in  the  integrity  and  purity 
of  intention  of  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  ?  If  they  could 
resolve  that  he  and  they  were  willing  and  ready  to  inves- 
tigate any  charges  duly  presented,  why  noi?  at  least  notice 
the  grave  charges  actually  on  their  table  ?  And  above 
all,  why  the  inconsistency  of  proclaiming  their  readiness 
to  do  what  they  solemnly  declare  "  neither  the  interest  of 
the  Diocese  nor  the  Church  at  large  require." 

Whatever  the  confidence  of  the  Churqh  at  large  in  the 
integrity  of  the  Bishop,  it  certainly  could  not  have  been 
much  increased  by  this  extraordinary  proceeding  of  the 
special  Convention,  nor  were  they  entitled  to  claim  for 
themselves,  after  such  action,  that  confidence  in  their 
judgment  which  would  give  weight  to  their  resolutions. 

It  was  quite  a  stroke  of  policy  in  the  Bishop  to  endeav- 
or to  change  the  positions  of  the  parties,  becoming  him- 
self the  accuser  of  those  connected  with  the  charges,  and 
to  divert  attention  from  the  complaints  against  the  Bish- 


348  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

op  of  New  Jersey  by  the  hue  and  cry  to  be  raised  against 
the  Bishops  of  Virginia,  Maine,  and  Ohio !  But  they  were 
not  the  men  to  be  disconcerted  by  manoeuvre,  or  dis- 
mayed by  the  indignant  repulse  and  clamorous  invective 
which  resulted  from  their  fraternal  overture. 

ISTothing  now  remained  for  the  three  Bishops  but  to 
prosecute  the  inquiry  so  as  to  determine  whether  a  pre- 
sentment was  necessary.  This  required  time,  labor,  and 
care,  and  these  were  conscientiously  bestowed  on  the 
painful  undertaking.  They  placed  themselves  in  commu- 
nication with  those  said  to  be  cognizant  of  the  facts  al- 
leged;  examined  them  —  in  several  instances  obtaining 
affidavits,  and  also  other  pertinent  documentary  testimony. 
The  conclusion  to  which  they  were  thus  led  was,  that  the 
character  of  the  accused  and  the  honor  of  the  Church  de- 
manded a  trial.  In  this  conclusion  they  were  unanimous. 
They  drew  up  a  presentment  in  twenty-seven  specifica- 
tions containing  charges  of  crime  and  immorality,  signed 
it  on  the  thirtieth  of  March,  1852,  (this  was  addressed  to 
"  the  Bishops  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States,")  and  forwarded  it  to  the  Eight  Eev.  Phi- 
lander Chase,  D.  D.,  who  was  the  presiding  Bishop,  who 
sent  copies  of  the  same  to  the  several  Bishops,  and  caused 
a  copy  to  be  served  on  the  accused.  At  the  same  time, 
notice  was  given  to  all  concerned,  appointing  the  24th  of 
June  as  the  time,  and  Camden,  JSTew  Jersey,  as  the  place, 
for  the  bishops  to  assemble  and  constitute  a  court  for  the 
trial. 

On  the  17th  of  May,  1852,  the  Presiding  Bishop  gave 
notice  to  the  several  Bishops  as  follows  :  "  By  request  of  a 
number  of  Bishops  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States,  and  also  of  the  counsel  of  the  Eight 
Eev.  Gr.  W.  Doane,  I  hereby  postpone  the  trial  of  the  said 
Bishop  from  the  24th  of  June  until  the  7th  of  October, 
1852,  the  place  not  being  changed." 

The  request  was  conveyed  to  the  Presiding  Bishop  by 


.d 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  349 

Bishop  McCoskry,  one  of  two  selected  by  certain  Eishops 
who  had  met  in  ISTew  York,  to  send,  informally,  a  deputa- 
tion to  be  present  at  the  Church  jubilee,  soon  to  be  observed 
in  England,  and  this  they  could  not  attend  without  be- 
ing absent  from  the  court,  unless  the  latter  was  postponed. 
"  Without  the  knowledge  and  against  the  wishes"  of  the 
three  presenting  Bishops,  the  request  was  granted,  and, 
unfortunately,  the  preceeding  notice  given.  Unfortunate- 
ly^ because  the  Presiding  Bishop  had  no  such  authority. 
The  proceeding  was  uncanonical,  and  void.  Whilst  the 
effect  would  be  to  prevent  the  Bishops  from  assembling 
under  the  authority  of  the  notice  for  the  24th  of  June,  it 
could  communicate  none  to  meet  on  the  7th  of  October, 
so  that  when  the  first  named  day  actually  passed  without 
a  court  being  constituted  for  trying  the  Bishop  of  New 
Jersey  under  the  presentment  of  March  30th,  there  was 
no  legal  authority  for  the  Bishops  to  convene  for  that 
purpose  at  any  other  time.  The  irregularity  vitiated  the 
proceeding,  so  that  unless  the  presentment  should  be  aban- 
doned, it  must  be  recommenced.  Of  this  necessity,  the 
counsel  of  the  Presenters  apprised  them,  with  instructions 
how  to  proceed.  They  prepared  another  presentment, 
dated  July  22,  including  all  the  contents  of  the  first,  with 
some  additional  specifications,  which  had  been  omitted 
either  accidentally,  or  from  doubts  of  the  availability  of 
the  evidence.  Without  formally  withdrawing  the  first, 
this  was  forwarded  to  the  Presiding  Bishop,  who  sent  it 
to  the  several  Bishops  and  the  accused,  summoning  the 
court  for  its  trial  on  the  7th  of  October,  the  day  to  which 
he  had  assumed  the  right  of  previously  adjourning  the 
former  court. 

On  the  26th  of  May,  the  Convention  of  New  Jersey 
held  its  regular  session.  They  were  informed  by  the 
Bishop,  that  since  the  special  meeting  on  the  17th  of 
March,  he  had  been  served  with  a  formal  presentment, 
(dated  March  30th,)  made  by  three  Bishops,  and  had  been 


350  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

summoned  to  appear  and  answer  before  the  Court  of  Bish- 
ops, to  be  held  at  Camden,  on  the  24th  of  June.  In  his 
address  he  said :  "  I  have  perfect  confidence  that  the  Dio- 
cese whose  representatives  at  the  special  Convention  filled 
the  hearts  of  Christendom  with  grateful  admiration,  will 
look  well  to  its  own  rights  and  responsibilities." 

It  has  been  a  wonder  to  many,  how,  between  the  17th 
of  March  and  the  26fch  of  May,  intelligence  of  the  action 
of  the  New  Jersey  Convention  could  have  spread  over 
Christendom,  and  tidings  of  the  "grateful  admiration"  it 
caused  have  been  conveyed  from  all  j^arts  to  Eiverside ! 
The  encouraging  report  was  not  lost  on  the  Convention. 
It  animated  them  to  re-enact,  with  variations  suggested 
by  a  change  of  circumstances,  the  proceedings  which  had 
gained  them  world-wide  applause. 

The  Convention  resolved  that  the  presentment  by  the 
three  Bishops,  "furnishes  the  first  and  only  occasion  in 
which  any  Convention  of  New  Jersey  has  had  an  oppor- 
tunity of  exercising  its  solemn  duty  and  clear  right,  under 
the  canon,  for  the  trial  of  Bishops,  to  investigate  on  the 
first  instance,  accusations  against  the  Bishop."  "Why  such 
an  opportunity  was. not  afforded  by  the  nineteen  charges, 
and  twenty-nine  specifications,  endorsed  by  the  four  New 
Jersey  gentlemen,  and  forwarded  by  the  three  Bishops, 
with  the  earnest  request  that  they  might  be  investigated 
by  the  Convention,  would,  perhaps,  puzzle  parts  of  Chris- 
tendom to  explain. 

Before  availing  themselves  of  the  first  opportunity  now, 
at  last,  furnished,  they  respectfully  re-afiirm  their  "  entire 
confidence  in  the  purity  and  integrity  of  the  Bishop,''  and 
with  this  significant  preface  to  their  service  as  an  ofiicial 
inquest,  appoint  a  committee  to  make  full  investigation, 
and  adjourn  to  the  14th  of  July,  to  receive  their  report. 

The  question  very  naturally  suggests  itself,  what  can 
have  occurred  since  the  special  meeting  in  March  to  have 
revolutionized  so  completely  the  views  of  the  Convention? 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  351 

Then,  they  resolved  that  "  the  best  interests  of  the  Dio- 
cese, and  of  the  Church  at  large,  require  no  such  proceed- 
ings" as  investigation  would  involve.  ]S"ow,  they  appoint 
a  committee  for  the  express  purpose.  They  had  not  then, 
it  is  true,  the  presentment  of  March  30th  before  them,  but 
they  had  almost  its  equivalent  in  the  charges  of  the  four 
gentlemen  of  New  Jersey,  presented  and  pressed  for  in- 
vestigation by  the  three  Bishops.  In  moral  force,  and  in 
particularity  of  specification,  the  difference  between  the 
two  documents  is  scarcely  worth  estimating.  But  there 
is  a  difference,  and  a  very  striking  one,  between  the  two 
documents.  The  first  is  not  official  in  its  bearing;  it  is  no 
part  of  a  judicial  proceeding.  The  other  is  both.  The 
one  is  not  certainly  connected  with  investigation,  but  may 
be  balked  by  a  bold  blast,  and  its  object  frustrated.  The 
other  makes  its  next  move  into  court,  and  insists  upon 
trial.  The  one  may  be  hazarded  yet  longer ;  the  other 
must  be  headed  off  at  once,  or,  who  can  predict  conse- 
quences ?  At  the  special  Convention  in  March,  this  for- 
midable arraignment  was  not  known ;  now,  it  is  on  their 
table,  and  to  prevent  the  trial  to  which  it  might  otherwise 
lead,  the  Convention  must  change  its  course,  must  itself 
proceed  to  investigate  those  very  charges,  and  try  to  oust 
the  three  Bishops  from  the  investigation,  on  the  plea  of 
23rior  right,  and  so  retain  the  inquiry  and  its  results  entire- 
ly in  their  own  hands.  .  In  this  explanation  there  can  be  no 
want  of  charity,  because  this  is  precisely  what  the  Con- 
vention now  commenced  to  do,  under  the  quickening 
power  of  the  presentment.  They  aj^pointed  a  committee 
to  make  a  "  full  investigation  "  of  the  charges  in  the  pre- 
sentment, and  adjourned  till  the  14th  of  July,  to  receive 
the  report. 

It  was  not  necessary  for  this  committee  to  notify  the 
Presenters.  It  was  fair  to  presume  that  they  would  not 
in  any  way  participate  in  that  investigation.  It  might, 
however,  have  been  well  to  have  applied  to  them  for  a  list 


352  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

of  the  witnesses  on  whose  testimony  they  relied  to  sustain 
the  charges,  though  if  such  list  had  been  obtained,  it 
would,  as  the  sequel  showed,  have  been  to  no  purpose. 
The  time  and  place  for  the  meeting  of  the  committee  were 
fixed.  Notice  was  given  to  the  four  New  Jersey  laymen, ' 
out  of  whose  hands  the  matter  had  now  passed,  for  the 
Convention  had  always  ignored  their  charges,  and  now 
acted  entirely  in  reference  to  the  presentment.  Notice 
was  given  to  every  one  named  in  the  presentment.*  The 
Bishop  was  also  invited  to  attend.  The  presence  of  an  ac- 
cused person  at  his  trial,  to  confront  his  accusers,  is  right, 
but  at  a  preliminary  inquiry  it  is  obviously  inexpedient 
and  inadmissible. 

Neither  of  the  four  laymen  attended  the  investigation. 
One  of  them  furnished  the  committee  with  the  names  of 
thirty-eight  persons,  and  specified  charges  to  which  they 
could  testify.  These  were  all  notified,  and  requested  to 
attend.  Only  five  complied,  and  their  testimony  was  im- 
perfect, and  just  as  much  as  they  thought  proper  to  ex- 
press, for  the  committee  had  no  power  to  compel  witnesses 
to  attend,  or  to  say  more  than  they  chose.  Those  who 
had  anything  to  communicate  favorable  to  the  Bishop 
could  have  no  difiiculty  in  appearing,  and  imparting  what 
they  knew,  whilst  adverse  witnesses  would  not  care  to  be 
connected  with  an  inquiry  ordered  by  a  Convention  which 
had,  in  advance,  resolved  that  the  accused  was  innocent, 
or  to  be  examined  by  a  committee,  each  of  whom  had,  by 
his  vote,  sustained  the  resolutions. 

On  the  14th  of  July,  the  Convention  met  according  to 
adjournment,  to  receive  the  report  of  the  committee, 
which,  with  the  testimony  taken,  occupied  146  pages. 
The  following  resolution  was  adopted  :  "  That  the  result 
of  this  investigation,  and  the  evidence  now  laid  before  the 

*  Named,  not  necessarily  as  witnesses,  but  merely  as  persons  connected 
with  the  transactions  referred  to.  In  many  of  the  charges,  no  individuals 
were  named. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  353 

Convention,  renew  and  strengthen  the  confidence  hereto- 
fore expressed,  in  the  integrity  of  the  Eight  Reverend,  the 
Bishop  of  this  Diocese,  and  in  our  opinion,  fully  exculpate 
him  from  any  charge  of  crime  or  immorality  made  against 
him."  The  Convention  appointed  a  committee  to  appear 
before  the  Court  of  Bishops  to  urge  them  "  to  consider 
whether  it  will  be  wise,  just,  or  for  the  peace  of  God's 
Church  to  proceed  further  on  the  charges  laid  before 
them." 

Of  the  proceedings  of  the  Bishops  who  assembled  at 
Camden,  New  Jersey,  on  the  7th  of  October,  1852, 
for  the  trial  of  Bishop  Doane,  the  following  manuscript, 
written  by  Bishop  Meade  at  the  time,  furnishes  as  particu- 
lar an  account  as  can  now  be  procured. 

"  Fourteen  Bishops,  besides  the  Presenters  and  Respon- 
dents, met  on  the  day  and  at  the  place.  A  dispute  at  once 
arose,  originating  with  Bishop  Whittingham,  whether  the 
Bishops  present  were  at  once  ipso  facto  a  Court,  or 
House  of  Bishops.  He  maintained  that  they  were  not  a 
Court  until  organized  into  one  by  some  previous  steps, 
viz :  The  election  of  President,  Secretary,  etcetera,  and 
that  this  could  only  be  done  by  electing  a  President,  pro 
tern.,  and  proceeding  to  choose  a  permanent  one  by  ballot. 
This  was  done,  and  Bishop  Hopkins  called  to  the  Chair. 
Bishops  Hopkins  and  Kemper  were  put  in  nomination. 
Bishop  Hopkins  was  elected.  Bishop  Hopkins  then  offer- 
ed the  resignation  of  his  seat  as  Judge,  in  consequence  of 
some  difference  between  himself  and  the  accused,  many 
years  since,  when  associate  ministers  in  Boston.  Resig- 
nation not  accepted  ;  the  Respondent  said  he  did  not  ob- 
ject to  his  sitting.  Bishop  Delancey  offered  a  resolution, 
that  in  the  opinion  of  this  Court,  no  one  who  had  ever 
been,  as  a  parish  minister,  or  Bishop,  at  variance  with  an 
accused  Bishop,  and  no  'Bishop  who  was  an  assistant  to  a 
presenting  Bishop,  ought  to  have  place  among  the  Judges, 
thus  meaning  to  reflect  on  Bishop  Hopkins  and  Bishop 


354  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

Johns.  Bishop  Johns  made  some  strong  remarks  in  reply, 
as  to  the  un worthiness  of  such  an  indirect  way  of  reach- 
ing his  object,  and  said  that  it  should  also  be  added,  that 
no  one  who  had  already  committed  himself  in  favor  of  the 
Eespondent,  should  sit  in  the  Court.*  This  settled  the  mat- 
ter, it  being  capable  of  proof,  that  some  had  declared  pos- 
itively in  favor  of  the  accused.  Bishop  Whittingham, 
afterwards,  in  the  Court,  declared  himself  perfectly  satis- 
fied of  his  innocence,  and  that  it  was  a  malicious  proceed- 
ing, issuing  from  the  foul  hearts  of  usurers." 

Bishop  Delancey's  j)i'oposition  was  either  not  passed  to 
a  vote  or  negatived.  Dr.  Wainwright  was  then  proposed 
as  Secretary.  He  was  chosen.  On  coming  in  he  nomi- 
nated the  son  of  Bishop  Hopkins  as  assistant  Secretary." 

''It  was  now  proposed  to  remove  the  court  to  Burling- 
ton. Bishop  Doane  urged  in  favor  of  it  that  it  was  impos- 
sible to  get  some  of  his  witnesses  anywhere  else ;  that  the 
expenses  of  others  lie  had  not  the  means  of  defraying,  and 
that  domestic  affliction  required  him  to  be  at  home ;  that 
the  heart  might  have  too  much  put  upon  it,  and  might 
break.  This  proposition  was  opposed  by  the  presenters 
on  the  ground  that  there  was  so  much  excitement  at  Bur- 
lington that  it  would  be  wrong  to  place  the  Judges  under 
its  influence ;  that  judges  in  civil  courts  always  avoided 
the  houses  of  persons  interested.  Bishop  Burgess  referred 
to  the  scandal  brought  on  the  Church  by  the  fact  that  one 
of  the  Bishops  staid  at  Bishop  Onderdonk's  house  during 
his  trial,  and  hoped  it  would  never  be  so  again.  Bishop 
Doane,  in  reply,  said  he  presumed  that  Bishop  Burgess  was 


*■  Bishop  Johns  remarked  further,  that  though  he  would  not  regard  any 
such  unbecoming  expression  of  opinion  as  that  proposed  by  the  Bishop  of 
New  York,  yet,  that  if  the  respondent  supposed  that  Bishop  Johns'  official 
relations  as  assistant  to  one  of  the  Presenters  ought  to  prevent  him  from 
acting  as  a  Judge  in  the  case,  he  would  prorfiptly  ask  his  brethren  to  excuse 
him  from  a  service  in  which  he  had  no  desire  to  participate.  Bishop 
Doane  immediately  said,  *'that  he  had  no  such  thought,  and  hoped  the 
Assistant  Bishop  of  Virginia  would  retain  his  seat." 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  355 

not  aware  that  he  himself  was  the  bishop  who  staid  at 
Bishop  Onderdonk's  house  during  his  trial,  or  he  would 
not  have  spoken  thus.  Bishop  Burgess  replied  that  he  did 
know  it.  Bishop  Doane  said,  "then  I  have  done  with  the 
Bishop  of  Maine."  Quite  a  speech  has  been  put  in  the 
mouth  of  Bishop  Doane  by  some  one,  in  the  papers,  which 
he  never  made.  He  did,  however,  say  that  it  had  never 
entered  into  his  mind  that  there  was  the  least  impropriety 
in  his  staying  at  Bishop  Onderdonk's,  or  that  any  one 
would  so  consider  it.     Credat  Judceus  apella.^' 

"On  Bishop  Doane's  solemn  declaration  that  he  could 
not  get  his  witnesses  at  Camden,  and  therefore  that  just- 
ice could  not  be  done  him  there,  the  Court  agreed  to  ad- 
journ to  Burlington.  It  was  publicly  declared  by  him  in 
the  Court  that  accommodation  would  be  provided  for  the 
Bishops  in  Burlington,  and  immediately  after  the  Court 
rose,  written  invitations  were  delivered  to  all  the  Bishops 
except  the  Presenters.  The  Judges  had  all  been  assigned 
suitable  places  in  the  families  devoted  to  Bishop  Doane 
and  his  cause.  But  few  of  them,  however,  did  more  than 
dine  with  them.  They  went  to  Philadelphia  each  even- 
ing." 

"On  Friday  morning  we  met  at  Burlington.  The  Court 
received  a  letter  handed  in  by  Bishop  McCoskry,  who  said 
he  knew  nothing  of  its  contents,  or  where  it  came  from ; 
that  some  one  put  it  into  his  hands.  Bishop  Hopkins 
opened  it,  and  said  it  was  from  a  committee  of  the  Xew 
Jersey  Convention,  asking  to  be  heard  by  the  Court.  A 
debate  then  arose  as  to  the  propriety  of  receiving  any  such 
communication.  It  was  maintained  that  such  a  course 
was  unheard  of  in  courts  of  justice  ;  that  those  gentlemen 
might  come  in  as  witnesses  on  the  trial ;  that  on  the  strength 
of  their  memorial  offered  as  testimony,  it  might  be  moved 
to  quash  the  presentment  after  it  was  read  and  the  trial 
commenced.  On  the  other  hand,  it  was  contended  that  the 
inherent  undefined  power  of  Bishops  prior  to  and  inde- 


356  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

pendent  of  all  canons,  and  laws  and  courts  of  justice,  just- 
ified their  receiving  the  memorial.  After  a  long  debate  it 
was  decided  by  a  majority  of  one  (Bishop  G-reene  being 
absent,  having  missed  the  boat),  that  the  committee  from 
New  Jersey  be  admitted  to  a  hearing  after  the  present- 
ment had  been  read. 

"  On  Saturday  morning,  before  the  presentment  was  read, 
various  objections  were  raised.  Bishops  Delancey,  Chase 
and  Whittingham,  and  perhaps  others,  spoke  of  their  hav- 
ing received  two  presentments,  and  did  not  know  which 
was  the  one,  and  whether  they  did  not  destroy  each  other. 
Bishop  Whittingham  said  that  he  had  never  received  the 
last ;  that  he  found  its  envelope  at  his  house,  but  no  en- 
closed document.  It  was  determined,  however,  to  let  the 
presentment  proceed.  We  then  began  to  read  a  few  ex- 
planatory remarks  as  to  the  two  presentments,  stating  the 
reasons  for  the  same,  and  some  circumstances  occasioning 
the  delay  of  the  last,  and  that  the  first  was  never  with- 
drawn, though  the  last  included  all  the  first,  with  some- 
thing additional.     We  were  not  permitted  to  read  them. 

"Having  read  the  second  presentment  and  taken  a  recess 
for  dinner,  the  New  Jersey  committee  were  admitted,  and 
read  their  memorial  which  had  been  previously  printed.* 


*  The  purport  of  the  memorial  might  be  anticipated  from  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  Convention  which  it  represented.  It  claimed  for  the  Conven- 
tion the  leading,  controlling,  presenting  power,  stating  that  having  ever 
been  ready  to  investigate  whenever  any  responsible  persons  would  affix  their 
names  to  written  charges  involving  criminality,  and  having  actually  done 
so  as  soon  as  the  presentment  of  March  10th  by  the  three  Bishops  was  be- 
fore them — ''having  pronounced  a  verdict  of  acquittal  in  reference  to 
those  charges  —  the  Convention  now  stands  before  you  to  plead  that  ver- 
dict in  all  its  canonical  force  and  moral  weight."  It  contended  that  the 
refusal  of  the  Convention  to  present  the  Bishop  after  this  open  and  fair  inves- 
tigation into  the  truth  of  these  charges,  is  equivalent  to  a  dismissal  of  a 
presentment  by  a  lawful  court.  As  for  the  few  new  charges  in  the  second 
presentment,  they  were  part  of  the  same  case  which  the  Diocese  had  alrea- 
dy taken  in  hand,  and  which  the  Diocese  alone  should  complete.  After  a 
pledge  that  the  Churchmen  of  New  Jersey  would  address  themselves  to  the 
discharge  of  their  duty,  the  Court  is  invoked  in  the  name  of  the  Diocese, 
"to  forbear." 


MEMOIR  OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  357 

This  read,  the  presenting  Bishops  asked  leave  to  be  heard 
in  reply,  and  were  allowed  until  Monday  morning.  On 
that  evening  (Saturday),  they  with  their  counsel  met  in 
Philadeli^hia,  and  determined  generally  on  the  facts  and 
arguments  to  be  introduced. 

"  To  Bishop  Mellvaine  was  committed  the  introductory 
statement  covering  the  first  six  pages  of  the  printed  pre- 
sentment, and  to  Mr.  Davis  the  legal  argument,  occupying 
the  remaining  twenty  pages.  On  Monday  morning  we 
met  at  an  early  hour  and  revised  it,  and  at  twelve  o'clock 
were  ready  to  deliver  it.  We  introduced  into  it  a  refer- 
ence to  Bishop  McCoskry's  proposition  made  immediately 
after  the  New  Jersey  memorial  on  Saturday,  viz.,  that  the 
case  should  be  dismissed,  among  other  reasons,  because  of 
the  postponement  which  vitiated  the  presentment.  We 
referred  to  the  part  Bishop  McCoskry  took  in  procuring 
the  postponement,  and  to  the  impropriety  of  his  taking 
advantage  of  it.  This  led  to  a  defense  of  himself.  He  de- 
clared that  he  had  no  part  in  procuring  the  postponement ; 
that  he  only  carried  a  letter  to  himself  from  Mr.  Wharton, 
Bishop  Doane's  counsel,  expressing  a  wish  that  a  postpone- 
ment might  take  place,  and  saying  that  he  was  author- 
ized to  promise  that  Bishop  Doane  would  take  no  advan- 
tage of  it ;  that  he  (Bishop  McCoskry)  told  Bishop  Chase 
that  he  would  express  no  opinion  about  it;  moreover, 
that  he  told  Bishop  Chase  that  the  Bishops  who  met  in 
Xew  York  declined  asking  a  postponement  on  the  ground 
of  its  illegality,  but  that  Bishop  Chase  said  he  did  not  care 
a  snap  of  his  finger  for  their  oj)inion,  and  should,  therefore, 
postpone  it.  (It  is  diflScult  to  reconcile  all  this  with  Bishop 
Chase's  circular  postponing  the  trial,  wherein  he  says  it 
was  done  at  the  desire  of  one  of  Bishop  Doane's  counsel 
and  of  several  Bishops.)  Bishop  McCoskry  and  others  ob- 
jected to  this  part  of  our  reply,  and  Bishop  McCoskry  with- 
drew his  proposition,  saying  it  would  be  misunderstood, 
and  he  be  charged  with  first  procuring  the  postponement, 


358  MEMOIR    OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

and  then  making  it  a  plea  for  dismissing  the  presentment. 
His  resolutions  being  withdrawn,  our  notice  of  them  was 
also  withdrawn. 

"BishojD  Whittingham,  after  the  reading  of  the  present- 
ment, moved  that  the  Secretary  furnish  to  the  presenting 
Eishops  and  to  the  respondent  a  copy  of  an  order  passed 
at  his  motion,  to  the  effect  that  in  the  opinion  of  the  Court 
it  would  be  wrong  that  either  the  memorial  from  New 
Jersey  or  the  reply  of  the  presenting  Bishops  should  be 
published  without  the  other  should  be  furnished  to  the 
presenting  Bishops  and  the  respondent.  This  first  brought 
to  the  presenting  Bishops  the  knowledge  of  the  fact  of 
such  a  resolution  by  the  Court.  Two  at  least,  if  not  all  of 
them,  were  absent  at  the  time  it  was  passed.  If  one  were 
present,  he  did  not  hear  it  on  account  of  the  feebleness  of 
Bishop  Whittingham's  voice,  and  the  great  difficulty  of 
hearing  any  one  in  the  room  where  we  met.  Immediately, 
when  it  was  known,  the  presenting  Bishops  made  them- 
selves heard,  and  remonstrated  against  so  unfair  a  proceed- 
ing. The  New  Jersey  memorial  had  already  been  printed 
and  circulated;  a  large  portion  of  it  had  already  appeared 
in  one  circular  paper,  and  it  was  impossible  to  say  for  how 
many  other  papers,  secular  and  religious,  it  was  now  in 
type,  and  yet  the  presenters  were  to  be  prevented  from 
giving  publicity  to  their's,  unless  they  first  republished  the 
other.  So  monstrous  a  proposition  was  only  adhered  to 
by  Bishop  Whittingham  himself. 

"Bishop  XJpfold  now  took  Bishop  McCoskry's place  and 
renewed  those  resolutions,  which  were  finally  adopted. 
The  discussion  was  continued  from  this  time,  (Monday 
afternoon,)  till  Friday  morning.  On  Thursday  afternoon 
all  were  ready  for  the  question,  but  Bishop  Greene,  who 
said  that  he  had  not  been  able  to  make  up  his  mind,  and 
asked  that  it  might  be  postponed  until  the  next  day.  This 
was  agreed  to.  On  the  next  morning  he  read  an  opinion 
in  favor  of  dismissing  the  case.     The  written  opinions  of 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  359 

Bishops  Hopkins,  Potter  and  Eastburn  were  also  read  on 
Friday  morning.  Others  had  been  read  the  day  before. 
They  will  appear  on  the  minutes  of  the  Court. 

"  Bishop  Doane  was  allowed,  as  the  representative  of  the 
committee,  or  Diocese,  or  both,  to  reply  to  the  argument 
of  the  presenters.  He  said,  as  he  had  often  done  before, 
that  he  appeared  in  two  characters,  as  Bishop  Doane  and 
as  the  defender  of  the  rights  of  his  Diocese  ;  that  as  Bishop 
Doane  he  said  nothing  to  prevent  the  trial,  but  as  the  de- 
fender of  the  rights  of  his  Diocese,  as  speaking  for  God  and 
His  Church,  he  would  say  and  do  everything  to  prevent 
the  trial;  that  he  would  insist  upon  every  technicality 
which  might  upset  the  presentment,  (and  he  acted  accord- 
ingly) ;  that  the  Court  had  no  right  whatever  to  try  him. 
and  once,  in  thundering  tones,  he  commanded  the  Bishops 
to  go  home,  and  leave  the  matter  where  it  properly  belong- 
ed. He  condemned  the  canon  ;  said  he  wished  to  make  the 
trial  of  a  Bishop  hard,  instead  of  easy ;  appealed  to  the 
Church  of  England  and  of  Eome  in  favor  of  this,  and  de- 
clared and  repeated  it  when  charged  with  the  same;  that 
he  would  rather  be  guilty  of  all  the  offences  charged 
against  him  in  the  presentment,  than  not  to  defend  to  the 
uttermost  the  position  taken  by  his  Diocese ;  for  the  latter 
he  said,  would  be  treachery  to  the  spouse  of  Christ  —  as  if 
the  crimes  and  immoralities  alleged  in  the  presentment 
were  not  the  greatest  treachery  to  the  spouse  of  Christ. 
He  said  the  same  thing  with  regard  to  the  crimes  for  which 
Bishop  Onderdonk  was  condemned,  that  they  were  noth- 
ing compared  with  the  evils  of  his  condemnation.  (Such 
is  the  language  of  many  others  who  seem  to  have  lost  sight 
of  the  importance  of  godly  discipline.)" 

"In  reply  to  that  part  of  our  argument  wherein  we  say 
that  out  of  fifty-nine  parishes  having  a  right  to  represen- 
tation in  the  Convention  of  New  Jersey,  less  than  half 
were  there  b}^  delegates,  and  only  nineteen  voted  for  the 


360  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

appointment  of  a  Committee ;  *  be  replied  that  a  number 
of  tbem  were  only  nominal  parisbes,  baving  no  vitality  in 
tbem,  baving  neitber  priest  nor  people.  Hitberto  be  bad 
ever  been  boasting  of  tbe  number  of  parisbes  wbicb  bad 
sprung  up  under  his  Episcopal  labor,  never  lessening  their 
number,  never  speaking  of  any  as  dead  ones;  but  now, 
when  it  suits  him,  he  finds  that  a  number  of  them  have 
only  a  name  and  are  dead.  Still  be  wound  up  his  last  speech 
by  an  enumeration  of  all  bis  labors  and  great  successes  as  a 
parish  minister,  as  Bishop,  as  President  of  St.  Mary's  Hall 
and  College;  of  his  universal  popularity  throughout  the 
land;  not  of  this  land  only,  but  as  he  said,  "In  Europe,  also, 
where  I  am  well  known,  there  I  am  esteemed;  yes,  at  their 
largest  meetings,  when  my  name  is  mentioned,  the  loudest 
acclamations  were  heard  uttered  uj)on  tbe  same."  This 
finished,  he  bade  the  Bishops  dismiss  the  presentment  and 
^'  go  home,  go  home.'^ 

"  When  the  presenting  Bishops  beard  such  declarations 
concerning  the  charges  in  the  presentment  against  Bishop 
Doane,  and  those  against  Bishop  O.,  making  so  light 
of  them,  they  determined  to  call  tbe  attention  of  the 
Court  to  the  nature  of  tbe  offences  charged  upon  the  res- 
pondent. Bishop  Burgess  spoke,  recapitulating  tbe  chief 
things  in  tbe  presentment,  and  referring  to  the  fact  that 
some  of  them  were  indictable  off'ences  by  the  civil  law. 
In  reply  to  this,  Bishop  Doane  said  it  was  an  atrocious 
libel.  Hitberto  be  bad  said,  and  not  without  effect,  that 
be  believed  the  presenters  were  misled  by  some  two  or 
three  evil  persons  —  his  enemies.     This  was  calculated  to 


*The  Canon  of  "the  Trial  of  a  Bishop,"  whilst  it  authorizes  a  Diocese 
to  present  its  Bishop,  provides  that  "two-thirds  of  each  order  present  con- 
cur, and  that  two-thirds  of  the  clergy  entitled  to  seats  in  the  Convention  be 
present,  and  that  two-thirds  of  the  parishes  canonically  in  union  with  said 
Convention,  be  represented  therein."  The  presenters  maintained  that  the 
Convention  of  New  Jersey  from  which  this  memorial  emanated,  was  not 
thus  canonically  constituted,  as  the  journal  shows,  and  therefore  had  no 
right  to  make  a  presentment,  or  a  preliminary  investigation. 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  361 

impress  the  Court  in  his  favor,  inducing  the  belief  that  we 
had  not  examined  with  proper  lights  the  things  charged  in 
our  presentment." 

"  When  the  presentment,  which  was  read,  had  been  dis- 
posed of,  the  senior  presenter,  in  the  name  of  the  others, 
rose  and  stated  that  previous  to  the  offering  of  it,  we  had 
wished  to  read  some  explanatory  statements  as  to  the  two 
presentments,  but  were  not  allowed;  that  we  should  then 
have  stated  that  by  advice  of  counsel,  we  had  never  with- 
drawn the  first  presentment,  and  had  cautioned  Bishop 
Chase  not  to  do  so,  which  caution  he  had  observed  in  his 
circular;  that  we  had  purposed  to  leave  them  both  with 
the  Court,  as  is  done  in  civil  courts,  when  two  present- 
ments or  indictments  are  made,  the  latter  containing  some 
additional  matter.  In  such  case  the  Court  may  use  both 
of  them,  or  only  the  latter.  We  said  that  as  in  the  course 
of  the  discussion  several  of  the  Bishops  had  objected  to  the 
last  presentment,  saying  that  they  came  to  try  the  first ; 
we  now  offered  the  first  presentment,  and  were  ready  to 
go  into  the  trial  on  that,  although  it  did  not  contain  sev- 
eral of  the  charges  made  in  the  other. 

"A  great  clamor  was  immediately  made  against  this, 
though  no  argument  used,  till  it  was  alleged  that  the  Court 
was  summoned  to  receive  a  presentment  on  the  7th  of  Oc- 
tober, and  this  old  presentment  was  not  offered  until  the 
15th.  This  seemed  quite  conclusive  to  some.  But  little 
was  said,  and  the  proposition  was  negatived.  It  should  be 
added,  that,  whereas  Bishop  Doane  sometimes  declared 
that  he  himself  wished  for  a  trial  and  considered  it  a  mis- 
fortune that  it  could  not  take  place,  so  that  in  our  reply 
to  the  memorial  from  New"  Jersey,  we  speak  of  his  expres- 
sed wish  for  it ;  yet,  at  the  close,  when  Bishops  Johns  and 
Hopkins  introduced  the  same  into  their  written  opmions, 
he  publicly  declared  that  they  had  mistaken  him — that 
he  never  had  expressed  such  a  desire,  so  that  they  have 
either  stricken  the  same  out  of  their  opinions,  or  corrected 
16 


362  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

them  in  a  note.  That  he  did  repeatedly  speak  as  desiring 
a  trial,  is  as  certain  as  that  he  spoke  at  all.  At  the  last  he 
said  that  he  only  contemplated  or  expected  a  trial.  Surely 
his  most  partial  friends  cannot  vindicate  him  from  such 
contradiction  and  falsehood." 

[here  the  "notitia"  ends.] 

The  preamble  and  resolutions  offered  by  Bishop  Upfold 
were  as  follows  : 

"  Whereas,  Previous  to  the  making  the  presentment  now 
before  this  Court,  the  Convention  of  IS^ew  Jersey  had  in- 
vestigated  most  of  the  matters  contained  therein,  and  had 
determined  that  there  was  no  ground  for  presentment, 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That,  as  to  the  matters  thus  acted  upon  by 
said  Convention,  this  Court  is  not  called  upon  to  proceed 
further." 

"  Whereas,  The,  Diocese  of  New  Jersey  stands  pledged  to 
investigate  any  charges  against  its  Bishop  that  may  be 
presented  from  any  responsible  source,  and,  whereas,  a 
special  Convention  has  been  called,  shortly  to  meet  in  re- 
ference to  the  new  matters  contained  in  the  presentment 
now  before  this  Court,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Court,  relying  on  said  pledge,  do 
not  now  proceed  to  any  further  action  in  the  premises." 

On  the  eighth  day  of  its  session,  the  Court  came  to  a 
decision.  Eight  Bishops  gave  their  opinions  in  favor  of 
the  resolution  to  dismiss  the  presentment,  and  six  against 
it.  The  opinions  in  its  favor  were  those  of  Bishops  Kem- 
per, McCoskry,  DeLancey,  Whittingham,  Chase  of  New 
Hampshire,  Upfold,  Green,  and  Eutledge. 

Against  it  were  those  of  Bishops  Hopkins,  Smith,  Lee, 
Johns,  Eastburn,  and  Potter. 

The  presenters,  in  their  brief  notice  of  the  proceedings, 
say :  "  The  result  is,  therefore,  that  when  the  charges, 
made  in  strict  accordance  with  the  canons,  have  been  dis- 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  363 

missed,  it  has  been  without  the  slightest  consideration  of 
their  merits. 

"They  have  not  been  refuted;  they  have  not  been  tried; 
and  they  are  not  retracted. 

"  The  undersigned,  having  discharged  their  duty  fully, 
without  fear  or  favor,  and  to  the  utmost  of  tteir  ability, 
rely  with  confidence  on  the  moral  feeling  and  correct  judg- 
ment of  the  Church  for  the  approval  of  their  conduct. 
The  remaining  responsibility  rests  on  their  brethren." 

Thus  the  scheme  of  the  New  Jersey  Convention  proved 
a  success.  On  the  plea  of  prior  right,  their  committee  were 
permitted  to  interpose  themselves  between  the  presenters 
and  the  Court,  and  on  the  assurance  that  the  Convention  had 
investigated  most  of  the  charges  against  their  Bishop,  as 
set  forth  in  the  presentment,  and  found  him  innocent,  and 
pledged  themselves  fully  to  investigate  the  remainder  —  a 
majority  of  the  Court  determined  that  in  reference  to  the 
charges  said  to  have  been  investigated,  "  it  is  not  called 
upon  to  proceed  further,"  and  that  in  reference  to  the  "new 
matters  contained  in  the  presentment,  relying  on  said 
pledge,  it  do  not  now  proceed  to  any  further  action  in  the 
premises." 

"  ISTot  called  upon  to  proceed ;"  and  yet  they  were  liter- 
ally and  loudly  called  upon  by  the  presenters  who  had 
firmly  resisted  the  claim  of  the  New  Jersey  Convention, 
and  the  admittance  of  their  committee  to  a  hearing  —  as 
not  being  a  party  in  the  case  —  and  who  now  distinctly 
declared  that  they  were  full-handed  with  proof  of  the  allega- 
tions of  the  presentment^  and  ready  to  produce  it.  But,  un- 
affected by  this  earnest  declaration,  and  not  regarding  the 
course  of  proceeding  indicated  by  the  canon,  under  which 
the  Court  was  constituted,  the  majority  refused  to  move 
except  to  put  the  presentment  in  the  pocket  of  the  Com- 
mittee to  be  conveyed  to  the  Convention,  with  an  expres- 
sive nod  of  approval  of  their  past  conduct,  and  a  significant 
hint  to  do  likewise  with  the  new  matters  of  the  present- 


364  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

ment.     And  so  the  Court   became  a  competitor  with  the 
Convention  for  "the  grateful  admiration  of  Christendom  !" 

The  Bishop  of  New  Jersey  had  already  called  a  special 
Convention  with  a  reference  to  what  "  purports  to  be  a 
new  presentment  of  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese."  Meeting 
on  this  call  at  Newark  on  the  27th  of  October,  they  were 
soon  ready  for  action.  The  Bishop  in  his  address  assured 
them  of  his  "  sincere  conviction  "  that  the  decision  of  the 
Court  was  "  attained  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
whose  presence  in  the  Court  had  been  invoked  at  a  thous- 
and altars,  and  by  ten  thousand  firesides." 

The  questions  before  the  Convention  were,  the  reception 
of  the  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  appear  before 
the  Court  to  urge  them  not  to  proceed  to  trial  —  and,  the 
reference  of  the  new  matters  in  the  second  presentment 
to  the  same  Committee  that  had  passed  upon  the  other 
charges  it  contained. 

The  debates  were  stormy.  Mr.  Halstead  was  no  longer 
solitary  in  openly  resisting  the  policy  of  the  Convention. 
Walter  Eutherford,  Esq.,  Mr.  Cortland  Parker,  Hon.  Jas. 
Parkis,  Mr.  Archer  Gifford,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sherman,  and 
Eev.  Mr,  Lowell  spoke  in  the  opposition.  Walter  Euther- 
ford, Esq.,  offered  a  resolution,  stating  that,  as  it  appears 
from  a  report  of  the  investigating  committee,  that  only  a 
portion  of  the  witnesses  had  been  examined  before  them, 
and  scarcely  any  on  whose  evidence  the  presentment 
rested,  and,  as  the  presenters  had  declared  that  they  stood 
"full-handed  with  the  proof"  of  their  charges  —  that  the 
Bishop  be  earnestly  solicited  to  demand  from  his  peers  a 
trial  of  these  charges,  that  public  opinion  may  be  satisfied, 
and  his  character  sustained  in  the  Church. 

This  resolution  the  Bishop  refused  to  put,  and,  as  to  his 
demanding  a  trial  of  his  peers,  he  said :  "  I  shall  do  no 
such  thing.     It  is  too  absurd  to  talk  about." 

Mr.  C.  Parker  moved  that  in  "  the  opinion  of  this  Con- 
vention the  fair  fame  of  the  Bishop  cannot  be  efl'ectually 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  365 

rescued  from  the  accusations  against  it  by  any  ex 'parte  in- 
quiry, however  thorough,  nor  without  a  canonical  trial." 

This  the  Bishop  pronounced  to  be  worse  than  the  other, 
adding,  "  I'll  put  no  such  resolution,"  &c. 

Mr.  Archer  Gifford,  who  in  the  Convention  of  1849  op- 
posed Mr.  Halstead's  resolution  for  a  committee  of  inves- 
tigation "  as  wholly  uncanonical  and  unconstitutional," 
in  his  speech  in  this  Convention  thus  expressed  himself: 

"  The  committee  have  embodied  a  matter  in  their  report, 
which  they  were  not  charged  with  by  the  Convention ; 
and,  however  I  may  feel  bound  to  accept  the  report  of  the 
committee,  I  cannot  agree  to  accept  it  with  that  part  in- 
cluded which  relates  to  the  pledge  further  to  investigate. 
Neither  can  I  believe  that  the  House  of  Bishops  have  been 
constituted  with  any  power  to  recommend  to  this  Conven- 
tion such  a  course.  Their  business  was  and  is,  to  try.  This 
Convention  can  only  present.  These  last  charges  are  be- 
fore the  House  of  Bishops  on  a  presentment  made  by  three 
of  the  Bishops,  according  to  the  canon.  And  what  power 
can  they  have  to  recommend  to  us  to  do  what  it  is  their 
peculiar  duty  to  perform,  as  directed  by  the  Canon  ? 

"As  to  the  appointment  of  the  same  committee,  there 
would  appear  to  be  some  indelicacy  in  Cuj^uiitting  another 
and  distinct  set  of  charges  to  them  for  investigation,  eg^ 
pecially  if  they  are  to  proceed  as  they  have  done  with  the 
first  charges.  They  have  acted  the  part  of  a  jury  to  try, 
and  (to  use  their  own  language)  ^ found  a  verdict.'  For 
this  they  had  no  commission.  And  now,  as  it  were,  with- 
out going  out  of  the  jury-box,  they  are  to  proceed  upon  an 
unauthorized  recommendation  of  the  Bishoj)S — one  for 
which  no  precedent  or  direction  can  be  found — and,  as  it 
were,  afraid  to  select  any  other  men  with  whom  to  trust 
our  Bishop's  character.  Whatever  respect  we  may  enter- 
tain for  these  gentlemen  of  the  Committee,  it  may  be  looked 
on  with  suspicion.  The  public  have  to  be  satisfied.  This 
is  the  great  ordeal  at  last  ]  and  we  must  act  with  proper 
deference  to  it." 


366  MEMOIR   OP  BISHOP    MEADE. 

The  Conyention  re-appointed  the  Committee  by  whom 
the  previous  investigation  was  made,  and  adjourned. 

Dec.  21st. — The  Convention  met  again  and  received  from 
the  investigating  Committee  their  report  that  "  the  evi- 
dence in  this  case  has  produced  on  their  minds  no  diminu- 
tion in  their  confidence  in  the  integrity  and  purity  of  your 
Bishop ;  on  the  contrary,  increased  love  and  respect  for 
him;  but  has  presented  to  them  and  the  world,  drawn 
from  their  modest  hiding-places,  habitual  and  beautiful  ex- 
amples in  him  of  that  virtue  greater  than  all  other — 
charity.  [The  testimony  which  led  to  this  special  com- 
mendation was  given  by  Dr.  Joseph  Parrish,  the  Bishop's 
physician,  who  said,  '  When  I  was  first  employed  at  the 
Schools,  I  was  told  by  Bishop  Doane  to  consider  his  wines 
and  liquors  always  under  my  command  for  the  use  of  such 
persons  at  the  School  and  for  all  needy  persons,  in  town 
and  country.  I  have  always  acted  upon  this  permission, 
and  have  made  large  drafts  upon  it.'  "] 

After  hearing  the  report  of  the  Committee,  the  Conven- 
tion passed  the  following  resolution : 

Resolved,  That  the  evidence  now  laid  before  the  Conven- 
tion renews  and  strengthens  the  confidence  heretofore  ex- 
pressed in  tho  integrity  of  the  Et.  Eev.,  the  Bishop  of  this 
Diocese;  and,  in  our  opinion  fully  exculpates  him  from  any 
charge  of  crime  or  immorality  made  against  him.'' 

The  policy  of  the  New  Jersey  Convention  had  prevailed, 
and  they  might  congratulate  each  other  on  having  avoided 
making  a  presentment  themselves,  and  on  arresting  the 
action  of  the  Court  on  the  presentment  of  the  Bishops  of 
Yirginia,  Ohio,  and  Maine.  But,  the  end  was  not  yet. 
Great  dissatisfaction  existed  in  the  Diocese.  This  was 
formerly  expressed  by  two  memorials  addressed  to  the 
Bishops  of  Yirginia,  Ohio,  and  Maine.  The  first  in 
November,  1852,  with  more  than  a  hundred  signatures, 
after  a  preamble  referring  to  what  had  been  done,  pro- 
ceeds :     "  We,  the  undersigned,  laymen  of  the  Protestant 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  367 

Episcopal  Church  in  ISTew  Jersey,  do  most  respectfully  en- 
treat the  Bishops  of  Virginia,  Ohio,  and  Maine  to  take 
such  further  action  as  will  give  the  Bishop  of  New  Jersey 
an  opportunity  to  refute  the  charges,  in  order  that  he  may 
be  blameless  and  have  a  good  report  of  them  which  are 
without." 

The  second,  dated  Dec,  1852,  and  with  nineteen  signa- 
tures, is  as  follows : 

"  The  undersigned  laymen  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  Diocese  of  New  Jersey,  believing  that  the 
reputation  of  the  Bishop  can  only  be  sufficiently  vindicated, 
and  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  Church  maintained  and 
preserved  by  a  judicial  investigation  of  the  charges  which 
have  been  preferred  against  him,  are  desirous  that  such 
further  action  should  be  taken  in  the  premises,  as  may 
bring  the  matter  to  a  final  adjudication." 

Yery  evidently  the  resolutions  of  the  Court  of  Bishops 
did  not  acquit  the  accused  or  entirely  dispose  of  the  pre- 
sentment. Though  uncanouically  placed  in  other  hands, 
it  could  be  remanded  for  final  consideration. 

But  the  presenters  having  seen  enough  of  the  disposition 
of  certain  members  of  the  Court  to  raise  technical  difficul- 
ties, determined  to  avoid,  as  far  as  possible,  all  occasion  for 
such  objection.  With  this  view  they  notified  the  presid- 
ing Bishop  that  they  withdrew  the  former  presentments, 
and  then  made  another  embracing  the  same  charges, 
which  they  asked  that  the  Bishops  should  be  summoned 
to  try. 

The  Court  assembled  at  Camden,  New  Jersey,  Sept.  1st, 
1853. 

On  an  application  from  Bishop  Doane,  earnestly  claim- 
ing the  immediate  adjournment  of  the  Court  to  Burling- 
ton, "no  action  was  taken."  The  Court  continued  at 
Camden. 

The  presentment  was  read. 

On  the  second  day,  the  Bishop  Eespondent  read  a  letter 


368  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

from  a  committee  of  the  New  Jersey  Convention,  asking 
to  be  heard  before  any  action  was  taken  on  the  present- 
ment. 

The  Bishop  Eespondent  offered,  with  preambles,  two 
orders  for  adoption  by  the  Court.  Ist.  That  this  Court 
will  now  hear  the  statement  which  the  Committee  of  the 
New  Jersey  Convention  desired  to  make.  2nd.  That  the 
Court  will  not  proceed  to  any  further  action  in  reference 
to  the  presentment,  and  that  the  same  be  dismissed. 

The  Bishop  llespondent,  and  the  Presenting  Bishops 
were  respectfully  heard  on  the  first  order,  and  the  ayes 
and  noes  being  called,  it  was  rejected  by  the  follow- 
ing vote :  Ayes,  Bishops  of  Wisconsin,  Michigao,  W. 
New  York,  Maryland,  New  Hampshire,  Indiana,  Missis- 
sippi, Florida,  and  Provisional  Bishop  of  New  York — 9. 
Noes,  the  Bishops  of  Connecticut,  Vermont,  Kentucky, 
Tennessee,  Louisiana,  Georgia,  Delaware,  Assistant  Bishop 
of  Yirginia,  Massachusetts,  Missionary  Bishop  for  the 
South  West,  Pennsylvania,  and  Assistant  Bishop  of  Con- 
necticut— 12. 

The  Court  expressed  its  willingness  to  hear,  through  the 
Bishop  Eespondent,  the  results  of  the  proceeding  of  his 
Convention,  that  he  might  have  all  the  advantage  which 
he  could  derive  thereby,  at  the  same  time  ''  distinctly  de- 
claring that  by  this  action  it  does  not  recognize  any  right 
of  the  Diocese  of  New  Jersey  to  appear  as  a  party  before 
the  Court."  From  this  declaration  the  Bishops  of  Wiscon- 
sin, Michigan,  Western  New  York,  and  Mississipj^i  dis- 
sented. Thus  the  Court  embraced  the  opportunity,  both 
by  deed  and  declaration,  to  manifest  its  disapproval  of  that 
act  of  the  previous  Court  which  prepared  the  way  for  the 
other  irregularities  by  which  the  proceedings  were  em- 
barrassed. 

On  the  second  order  proposed  by  the  Bishop  Eespondent, 
both  the  Eespondent  and  the  Presenting  Bishops  addressed 
the  Court. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  369 

On  the  eleventh  day  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania  moved 
that  the  seven  Bishops  present,  who  were  not  on  the  last 
Court,  be  a  Committee  to  take  legal  advice  as  to  the  effect 
which  the  action  of  the  former  Court  should  have,  in  de- 
termining the  decisions  of  the  present  Court,  and  to  confer 
with  the  presenters  and  the  respondent  to  ascertain 
whether  they  cannot  come  to  some  understanding  mutu- 
ally satisfactory,  and  fully  subserving  the  purposes  of 
justice. 

This  order  was  unanimously  adopted.  In  the  discharge 
of  their  duty,  the  Committee  had  conferences  with  the 
presenters,  pressing  upon  them  a  first,  and  then  a  second 
and  stronger  admission  which  the  accused  was  prepared 
to  make,  and,  as  these  were  not  accepted  by  the  present- 
ers, inquiring  of  them  what  kind  of  an  acknowledgment 
would  be  satisfactory. 

Bishop  Meade  has  left  a  manuscript  account  of  the  in- 
tervention so  far  as  the  presenters  were  concerned. 

[This  was  drawn  up  by  Bishop  Meade  and  approved  by 
the  other  Presenting  Bishops,  and  read  to  seven  or  eight 
of  the  other  Bishops  who  wished  them  to  enter  into  a 
compromise.] 

"(Proposed  Compromise.) — On  Friday,  the  19th  of  Sep- 
tember, I  was  asked  by  one  of  the  Bishops  in  the  Court 
(Bishop  Greene,)  if  the  case  of  Bishop  Doane  could  not  be 
settled  without  a  trial,  or  further  proceedings.  He  2)1*0- 
posed  and  urged  a  plan,  which,  he  said,  he  and  some  other 
Bishops  were  considering.  I  rej^lied,  that  there  appeared 
to  me  insuperable  difficulties  in  the  way  of  it.  On  the  fol- 
lowing day  the  subject  was  renewed,  when  he  urged  the 
same  by  various  considerations,  viz:  —  that  we,  the  presen- 
ters, were  suffering  far  and  wide,  both  among  our  own  and 
other  denominations,  from  the  impression  that  we  were 
actuated  by  malice  in  renewing  the  presentment ;  that  the 
Bishop  of  New  Jersey  was  not  only  backed  by  his  Diocese, 
but  had  an  able  counsel  who  might  probably  defeat  hia 
16* 


370  MEMOIR    OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

conviction,  and  that  the  motives  of  the  presenters  should 
be  fully  asserted  in  the  compromise.  I  do  not  remember 
what  else  was  said  by  way  of  inducement,  which  induce- 
ments, it  will  be  seen,  were  addressed  to  our  fears  of  cen- 
sure and  of  failure,  and  to  our  desire  of  being  exculpated 
from  any  improper  motives  in  what  we  had  done.  My  re- 
ply was  still  the  same  —  that  there  appeared  to  the  pre- 
senters insuperable  objections  to  any  plan  of  compromise, 
that  another  had  been  proposed  some  days  before,  which 
we  at  once  rejected.  The  proposition  alluded  to  is,  that 
the  Bishop  should  draw  up  an  acknowledgment,  or  con- 
fession of  a  certain  degree  of  guilt,  or  of  great  imprudences 
on  the  part  of  Bishop  Doane,  on  the  signing  of  which  the 
presenters  should  withdraw  their  charges,  and  the  whole 
subject  be  terminated.  To  this,  the  following  objections 
are  made. 

1st.  This  confession  is  to  be  the  only  penalty;  a  princi- 
ple, it  will  at  onCe  be  seen,  subversive  of  all  discipline,  since, 
no  matter  how  many  or  grievous  the  charges  made,  all  may 
be  set  aside  and  discipline  escaped,  by  a  confession  when 
brought  to  trial. 

2nd.  What  if  a  Presbyter  were  arraigned  on  similar 
charges,  or  less  aggravated  ones,  and  when  the  time  of 
trial  came,  he  should,  at  the  instance  of  friends,  sign  some 
paper  confessing  a  small  measure  of  guilt,  or  great  impru- 
dences, and  this  were  accepted  as  satisfactory,  and  he  re- 
turned to  his  charge  —  or  a  communicant  be  thus  dealt 
with;  what  has  become  of  the  godly  discipline  of  the 
Church,  which  we  promised  to  enforce  ? 

3rd.  It  becomes  us  to  look  to  the  past  for  precedents, 
and  to  the  future  for  consequences.  When  Bishop  Onder- 
donk  of  Pennsylvania  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Bishops, 
containing  a  very  dubious  confession  of  intemperance,  and 
submitted  himself  to  their  decision,  they  at  once  suspended 
him  from  ofl&ce,  and  received  his  resignation  of  jurisdic- 
tion.    Just  before  the  presentment  of  Bishop  Onderdonk 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  371 

of  New  York,  two  deputations  came  to  the  Presenting 
Bishops,  asking  them  in  the  one  case  to  relinquish  their 
design  and  leave  the  work  to  the  Diocese,  and  in  the  other 
to  relinquish  it  in  consequence  of  what  he  had  already 
suffered,  and  because  he  was  doubtless  sorry  for  the  past, 
and  would  offend  thus  no  more.  Each  of  these  petitions 
was  declined,  and  the  public  has  approved  the  course 
which  was  pursued.  After  the  examination  of  witnesses 
in  the  case  of  the  Bishop  of  New  York,  in  answer  to  the 
question,  what  he  had  to  say  why  sentence  should  not  be 
passed,  in  a  very  subdued  reply  he  acknowledged  error, 
but  not  to  the  extent  charged  upon  him.  This,  however, 
did  not  arrest  or  modify  the  sentence. 

If  Bishop  Doane,  on  such  a  slight  confession  as  it  is  at 
all  probable  that  he  will  make,  is  to  be  dismissed  without 
trial,  it  will  be  difficult  to  see  how  a  petition  for  the  re- 
storation of  the  two  suspended  Bishops  can  be  rejected, 
should  they  make  some  imperfect  acknowledgment  of 
guilt,  connected  with  their  acknowledged  reformation. 

4th.  In  order  to  see  what  kind  of  confession  Bishop 
Doane  could  assent  to,  without  acknowledging  that  he  has 
been  uttering  palpable  falsehoods  for  the  last  ten  years, 
and  that  his  Diocese  and  friends  have  been  endorsing  the 
same,  all  of  his  and  their  declarations  of  his  entire  innocence, 
up  to  the  present  time,  must  be  examined.  To  be  unfor- 
tunately too  sanguine,  or  even  imprudent,  is  not  the  guilt 
to  be  confessed.  But  to  come  to  him  with  any  other  con- 
fession, ought  to  be  indignantly  repelled  by  him  and  his 
friends,  if  he  be  innocent. 

5th.  On  the  other  hand,  to  see  what  kind  of  confession 
could  be  accepted  by  us,  even  if  the  honor  of  the  Church 
could  be  sustained  without  a  trial,  those  who  proposed  a 
compromise  should  read  over  the  charges  made  in  the 
presentment,  and  in  our  reply  of  last  Fall,  and  then  frame 
a  confession  consistent  therewith,  and  see  whether  Bishop 
Doane  could  sign  it. 

6th.  There  should  be  carefully  considered  the  difference 


372  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

between  the  case  in  hand  and  those  where  pecuniary  and 
personal  disputes  are  the  subjects.  In  them,  compromises 
may  take  place,  and  often  do  without  sacrifice  of  truth  and 
principle.     Not  so  in  this. 

7th.  Let  it  be  remembered  that  the  Eespondent  and  his 
Diocese  have  for  two  years  been  spreading  before  the  pub- 
lic his  own  statements,  and  ex  jparte  examinations — that 
these  remain,  and  will  remain  on  record,  though  only  par- 
tial exhibitions  of  the  case,  while  the  Presenters,  repre- 
senting the  honor  and  purity  of  the  Church,  have  no  such 
documents  except  their  arguments  in  reply  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Diocese  of  New  Jersey.  If  the  compromise 
is  made,  they  are  precluded  from  any  such  advantage  in 
defence  of  the  Church  and  themselves.  Silence  must  then 
in  honor  be  bound  upon  all,  though  it  is  feared  that  it  will 
often  be  broken,  and  peace  not  ensue. 

8th.  The  Presenters  are  placed  in  a  most  responsible 
situation.  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  one  more  so.  To  them 
and  to  them  alone  the  whole  Church  and  country  now 
look  for  the  proper  disposal  of  this  case,  until  it  is  in  the 
hands  of  the  Court,  and  on  trial.  All  the  evils  resulting 
from  neglect,  must  be  laid  at  their  door,  and  be  chargeable 
on  their  unfaithfulness.  To  ask  them  to  compromise,  es- 
pecially *at  this  late  hour,  and,  while  the  Judges  are  on  the 
bench,  to  come  forward  and  withdraw  the  charges  and 
dismiss  the  trial  without  any  change  of  conviction  on  their 
part,  is  a  most  unreasonable  proposition.  Their  rejection 
of  this  and  a  former  proposition  may  be  used  by  their  op- 
ponents as  grounds  for  the  charge  of  a  spirit  opposed  to 
the  peace  of  the  Church ;  but,  by  the  grace  of  Grod,  they 
will  bear  it,  and  do  what  seems  to  them  their  solemn  duty. 
They  believe  that  nothing  but  a  trial  can  reveal  the  truth 
and  lead  to  justice.  But  even  an  acquittal,  no  matter  how 
deep  the  guilt  of  the  accused,  resulting  from  want  of  evi- 
dence or  other  like  cause,  would  be  less  dishonorable  to 
the  Church  than  any  compromise  proposed  by  the  Judges, 
and  assented  to  by  the  Presenters  and  Respondent." 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  373 

The  following  statement  by  Bishop  Meade  was  intended 
to  be  presented  to  the  Court,  if  the  request  of  the  Pre- 
senters to  be  heard  on  the  morning  of  the  last  day  had  not 
been  objected  to : 

"  I  beg  leave  to  offer  a  few  remarks  before  the  Court 
shall  take  the  final  step,  which  we  are  told  it  is  likely  to 
take,  in  dismissing  this  presentment  on  the  ground  of  a 
confession  or  acknowledgment  to  be  made  by  the  ac- 
cused. 

"  I  say  nothing  of  the  legal  question  which  has  been  so 
ably  argued  by  my  brother  of  Ohio  in  behalf  of  the  Pre- 
senters. My  objections  are  altogether  of  a  moral  char- 
acter. 

"1st.  I  object  to  the  acceptance  of  any  confession  as  the 
only  penalty,  because  it  opens  a  wide  door  for  the  escape 
of  any  offender,  whether  of  the  clergy  or  of  the  laity, 
who,  when  he  sees  no  other  mode  of  escape,  will  resort 
to  this. 

"  2nd.  Because  both  of  the  now  suspended  Bishops  did 
make  some  confession  before  their  sentence ;  and  because 
if  Bishop  Doane  be  dismissed  without  trial  or  penalt}^  I 
see  not  how  a  petition  for  the  restoration  of  the  same  can 
be  refused,  on  such  acknowledgment  as  they  will  probably 
be  disposed  to  make,  especially  since  their  reformation  is 
confidently  believed. 

'•  3rd.  I  cannot  consent  to  take  any  part  in  the  sin  of 
holding  out  a  temptation  to  a  fellow-being  in  the  circum- 
stances in  which  Bishop  Doane  now  is,  to  add  to  his  other 
transgressions  that  of  making  a  confession  which  is  at  va- 
riance with  his  repeated  asseverations  during  the  last  two 
years,  in  order  to  escape  a  trial ;  and  I  do  not  see  how  the 
Bishops  can  consent  to  any  participation  therein. 

"  4th.  I  cannot  see  how  either  the  Presenters  or  the  Court 
can  for  one  moment  think  of  dismissing  the  accused,  when, 
though  one  of  the  charges  in  the  presentment  is  that  of 
his  excessive  use  of  intoxicating  drinks,  the  accused  has 
presented  himself  before  the  Court,  at  an  early,  as  well  as 


374  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE, 

later  hour  of  the  day,  in  such  a  condition  as  indicated  by 
his  countenance,  his  breath,  and  otherwise,  that  the  charge 
was  too  true,  so  as  to  lead  one  of  the  Court  to  say  that  'he 
was  not  himself  on  a  certain  day,'  and  another,  that  he 
was  '  a  ruined  man,'  and  others,  to  complain  of  the  offen- 
siveness  of  his  breath. 

"  With  this  protest,  which  I  beg  to  be  placed  on  the  Re- 
cord, I  leave  the  responsibility  with  the  Court." 

"William  Meade." 

The  result  of  the  Committee's  compromise  with  the  ac- 
cused appears  in  their  report  which  was  presented  on  the 
12th  day— Sept.  15th: 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Present- 
ing Bishops  and  Respondent,  to  ascertain  whether  they 
cannot  come  to  some  understanding  which  shall  be  mutu- 
ally satisfactory,  and  also  fully  answer  the  purpose  of  jus- 
tice, beg  leave  to  i^eport,  that  upon  consultation  with  the 
Presenting  Bishops,  they  found  that  no  understanding 
could  be  come  to,  of  the  sort  contemplated  by  the  Court, 
the  Presenting  Bishops  feeling  themselves  unable  to  with- 
draw their  presentment  under  any  such  acknowledgment 
of  error  as  the  Respondent  would  be  willing  to  make.  The 
Committee  then  conferred  with  the  Respondent,  who  ex- 
pressed himself  quite  ready  to  acknowledge,  as  he  had  al- 
.  ready  done,  to  some  extent,  in  open  Court,  such  errors  as 
his  conscience  accused  him  of;  the  result  of  which  confer- 
ence was,  the  paper  embodied  in  the  preamble  and  orders 
now  submitted  as  the  basis  of  a  settlement  of  this  vexed 
and  painful  question. 

"  T.  C.  Brownwell, 

"  Jas,  H.  Otey, 

"  Leonidas  Polk, 

"  Stephen  Elliott,  Jr., 

"  GrEO.  W.  Freeman, 

"  Jno.  Williams, 

"  JoNA  M.  Wainwright. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  375 

"  WTiereas,  Yery  serious  embarrassments  have  been 
thrown  in  the  way  of  the  action  of  this  Court,  first,  by  the 
postponement  of  the  trial  of  the  original  presentment,  and 
afterwards,  by  the  decree  and  orders  of  the  Court  of  Bish- 
ops which  assembled  at  Camden  in  October,  1852,  and 
continued  its  session  by  adjournment  at  Burlington,  to 
wit :  — 

"  Whereupon  it  was  decreed,  that, 

"  Whereas,  Previous  to  the  making  of  the  presentment 
now  before  this  Court,  the  Convention  of  I^ew  Jersey  had 
investigated  most  of  the  matters  contained  therein,  and  had 
determined  that  there  was  no  ground  for  presentment, 
therefore, 

'•  Ordered,  That,  as  to  the  matters  thus  acted  upon  by 
said  Convention,  this  Court  is  not  called  upon  to  proceed 
further. 

"  Whereas,  The  Diocese  of  ]N"ew  Jersey  stands  pledged 
to  investigate  any  charges  against  its  Bishop  that  may  be 
presented  from  any  responsible  source  ;  a7id  whereas,  a 
Special  Convention  has  been  called,  shortly  to  meet,  in  re- 
ference to  the  new  matters  contained  in  the  presentment 
now  before  this  Court,  therefore, 

''  Ordered,  That  this  Court,  relying  upon  the  said  pledge, 
do  not  now  proceed  to  any  further  action  in  the  premises." 

Which  decree  and  orders  have  been  pleaded  in  bar  to 
the  trial  of  the  presentment. 

And,  whereas.  The  Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  New 
Jersey  has,  through  a  Committee  of  its  most  influential 
and  honorable  laymen,  satisfied  itself,  that  whatever  may 
have  been  the  imprudences  in  word  and  act  of  the  Re- 
spondent, there  was  no  intention  of  crime  or  immorality 
on  his  part. 

And,  whereas.  The  said  Convention  stands  pledged  to 
investigate  any  further  charges  which  may  be  brought  at 
any  future  time,  from  any  quarter,  against  said  Respon- 
dent, with  fairness  and  impartiality. 


376  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

And,  whereas,  The  Diocese  of  the  Eespondent  is  now  en- 
gaged in  raising  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-five 
thousand  dollars,  for  the  release  from,  all  embarrassment 
of  St.  Mary's  Hall,  Burlington  College  and  Eiverside,  the 
surplus  income  of  such  property,  when  thus  released,  is  to 
be  annually  applied  to  the  liquidation  of  the  remaining 
debts  of  the  Eespondent. 

A7id,  whereas.  The  Eespondent  comes  into  Court  and 
says : 

"  The  undersigned  in  prosecuting  his  plans  of  Christian 
education  in  connection  with  St.  Mary's  Hall  and  Burling- 
ton College,  found  that  the  expenses  of  the  enterprise 
greatly  exceeded  his  calculations,  while  the  assistance  on 
which  he  confidently  relied,  perhaps  too  sanguinely,  fell 
altogether  short  of  what  he  deemed  his  reasonable  expec- 
tations. In  this  condition  of  things,  being  entirely  left 
alone,  and  without  advice,  every  step  which  he  advanced 
involved  him  more' and  more  deeply  in  pecuniary  embar- 
rassments. In  endeavoring  to  extricate  himself  from  these 
embarrassments,  he  admits  that  he  made  representations, 
which,  at  the  time,  he  believed  to  be  correct,  but  many  of 
which  turned  out  in  the  event  to  be  erroneous.  He  was 
also  led  by  his  too  confident  reliance  on  anticipated  aid,  to 
make  promises  which  he  fully  expected  to  perform,  but 
which  experience  has  taught  were  far  too  strongly  ex- 
pressed. He  was  also  induced,  for  the  sake  of  obtaining 
money  to  meet  his  necessities,  to  resort  to  methods,  by  the 
payment  of  exorbitant  interest  on  loans,  which  he  did  not 
suppose  were  in  contravention  of  the  law,  and  which  com- 
mon usage  seemed  to  him  to  justify.  He  also,  in  entire 
confidence  in  his  ability  to  replace  them,  made  use  of  cer- 
tain trust  funds  in  a  way  which  he  deeply  regrets ;  and, 
although  they  have  long  been  perfectly  secured,  does  not 
now  justify. 

"  The  embarrassments  here  referred  to  were  followed  by 
a  long,  and  well  nigh  fatal  illness,  which,  withdrawing 


MEMOIR   OP    BISHOP    MEADE.  377 

him  entirely  from  the  business  which  he  had  carried  on 
alone,  was  mainly  instrumental  in  the  entire  failure  in  his 
pecuniary  affairs.  The  perplexity  arising  from  this  failure, 
with  the  protracted  infirmity  which  followed  his  sickness, 
made  him  liable  to  many  errors  and  mistakes  which  might 
easily  bear  the  appearance  of  intentional  misrepresenta- 
tions. In  connection  with  the  assignment  of  his  property, 
he  set  his  name,  under  oath,  to  an  inventory  of  his  goods, 
and  also,  to  a  list  of  his  debts,  which  he  believed  to  be  cor- 
rect ;  an  act  which,  he  grieves  to  find,  has  given  rise  to  an 
impression  in  the  minds  of  some  that  he  exhibited  an  insen- 
sibility to  the  awful  sanctions  of  the  oath  of  a  Christian 
man.  But,  while  he  laments  the  impression,  he  declares 
that  this  act  was  only  done  under  legal  advice,  and  in  the 
firm  conviction  of  its  correctness. 

"Some  time  after  his  recovery  from  the  illness  above  al- 
luded to,  but  while  he  was  still  in  the  midst  of  his  perplexi- 
ties, smarting  under  his  heavy  disappointments,  and 
wounded  by  the  imputations  to  which,  in  some  quarters, 
he  was  subjected,  the  letter  of  the  three  Bishops  came  to 
him.  He  has  no  disposition  to  ascribe  to  them  any  other 
than  just  and  proper  motives  in  thus  addressing  him. 
But,  at  the  time  when  he  received  the  communication,  he 
viewed  it  otherwise  ;  and,  under  the  strong  excitement  of 
the  moment,  penned  a  pamphlet,  parts  of  which  he  does 
not  now  justify ;  and  expressions  in  which,  in  regard  to 
those  brethren,  he  deeply  regrets. 

"In  reference  to  his  indebtedness,  he  now  renews  the  de- 
claration of  intention  which  he  has  constantly  made,  and 
acted  on,  to  the  utmost  of  his  ability,  thus  far,  to  devote 
his  means,  efforts,  and  influence,  in  dependence  on  God's 
blessing,  to  the  payment,  principal  and  interest,  of  every 
just  demand  against  him  —  an  expectation  which  there  is 
reasonable  hope  of  having  fulfilled,  since  a  committee  of 
the  trustees  and  friends  of  Burlington  College,  by  whom 
both  institutions  are  now  carried  on,  have  undertaken  an 


378  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

enterprise  which  is  nearly  accomplished,  to  discharge  the 
whole  mortgage  debt;  and  thus  secure  the  property  at 
Eiverside  and  St.  Mary's  Hall,  with  that  of  Burlington 
College,  to  the  Church  forever,  for  the  purposes  of  Chris- 
tian education.  And,  this  done,  the  trustees  have  further 
agreed  to  appropriate,  during  his  life,  the  surplus  income 
of  both  institutions  to  the  liquidation  of  all  his  other  debts 
incurred  by  him  in  carrying  on  said  institutions. 

"  That  in  the  course  of  all  these  transactions  human  in- 
firmity may  have  led  him  into  many  errors,  he  deeply 
feels.  He  does  not  wish  to  justify  or  excuse  them.  If 
scandal  to  the  Church,  or  injury  to  the  cause  of  Christ, 
have  arisen  from  them,  they  are  occasions  to  him  of  mor- 
tification and  regret.  For  these  things,  in  all  humanity 
and  sorrow,  before  God  and  man,  he  has  always  felt  him- 
self liable  to,  and  willing  to  receive,  the  friendly  reproofs 
of  his  brethren  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  especially  of  the  Bish- 
ops of  this  Church. 

''  G.   W.  DOANE, 

"  Bishop  of  New  Jersey." 

Ordered,  Therefore,  That  the  presentment  before  this 
Court  be  dismissed,  and  the  Ees]3ondent  be  dischkrged 
without  day. 

The  Committee  likewise  recommended  the  adoption  of 
the  following  orders : 

1.  That  no  order  or  decree  of  the  Court  in  October,  1852, 
or  this  Court,  shall  be  taken  to  admit  the  right  of  any 
Diocese  to  come  between  a  Court  of  Bishops  and  the  Ee- 
sponding  Bishop,  after  canonical  presentment  first  made 
by  three  Bishops. 

2.  That  this  Court  believes  the  Presenters  to  have  acted 
in  good  faith,  and  in  the  desire  and  determination  to  carry 
out  the  law  of  this  Church  in  such  case  made  and  pro- 
vided, in  the  painful  duty  which  they  have  felt  themselves 
called  upon  to  perform. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  379 

The  following  communication  was  received  from  the 
Presenters,  and  ordered  to  be  entered  on  the  Minutes : 

To  the  Court  of  Bishops  : 

The  Presenting  Bishops,  having  been  informed  by  a  Com- 
mittee of  the  Court,  that  a  proposal  is  now  under  consid- 
eration to  dismiss  the  presentment  upon  several  grounds 
stated  in  a  report  of  the  said  Committee,  the  chief  of  which 
is  a  certain  acknowledgment  on  the  part  of  the  Respon- 
dent, do  represent  to  the  Court,  that  the  exclusive  right 
of  withdrawing  the  presentment,  is  with  the  presenters ; 
that  the  only  legal  mode  of  disposing  of  these  charges,  by 
the  Court,  is  to  try  them  by  the  evidence ;  that  the  Pre- 
senters stand  ready  with  their  evidence  to  enter  on  the 
trial  which  they  have  contended  for;  and  they  feel  them- 
selves bound  to  ask  that  the  Court  will  call  on  the  Re- 
spondent to  plead  guilty,  or  not  guilty,  to  the  presentment. 
With  this  statement  of  the  legal  position  of  the  Presenters 
as  representing  the  executive  of  the  Church  in  this  case, 
the  undersigned  are  prepared  to  abide  by  such  action  as 
the  Court  may  take  in  the  premises. 

Wm.  Meade, 

Chas.  p.  McIlvaine, 

George  Burgess. 
Camden,  Sept.  15,  1859. 

'*  The  question  being  taken  upon  the  acceptance  of  the 
report  of  the  Committee,  and  the  adoption  of  the  preamble 
and  orders  annexed,  the  report  was  accepted,  and  the  pre- 
amble and  orders  adopted  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the 
Court,  all  the  members  being  present  and  voting." 

"Record  of  the  Proceedings." 

In  reviewing,  at  the  distance  of  twelve  years,  this  de- 
termination of  the  New  Jersey  case,  it  does  appear  most 
unprecedented,  uncanonical,  inconsistent,  unaccountable. 

1st.  That  a  Court  constituted  to  try  for  crime,  should 


380  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

permit  itself  to  tamper  with  the  accusers  and  the  accused, 
and  so  unavoidably  unfit  itself  for  further  proceeding  if 
the  intervention  should  fail,  is,  in  our  judiciary,  something 
novel. 

2nd.  That  a  Court,  acting  under  a  statute,  should  as- 
sume an  office  unrecognized  by  it,  and  counteractive  of  its 
end,  is  uncanonical. 

3rd.  That  a  Court  should  pronounce  the  order  of  a  pre- 
vious Court  illegal,  and  yet  profess  itself  embarrassed  to 
decide  how  far  it  ought  to  be  influenced  and  controlled  in  its 
decisions,  by  such  illegal  order,  is  inconsistent. 

4th.  To  permit  a  person  indicted  for  crime  to  excuse 
himself  on  the  plea  that  the  action  was  error  of  judgment, 
and  without  criminal  intent,  is  to  mistake  an  explanatory 
vindication  for  confession.  And  to  accept  such  admission 
as  sufficient  for  discij)line,  is — unaccountable  ! 

A  Court  may  receive  a  confession  of  guilt  from  the  ac- 
cused, but  then  it  must  be  a  confession  of  guilt  in  the  of- 
fenses charged,  and  not  merely  an  acknowledgment  of 
well-meaning  infirmity.  The  charges  in  this  case  were 
crime  and  immorality.  The  Bishop  makes  no  such  admis- 
sion. His  promises  he  intended  to  perform.  His  loans  he 
hoped  to  return.  Whatever  he  did,  he  did  at  the  time 
in  good  faith,  though  afterwards  he  discovered  that,  in 
some  instances,  he  had  been  too  sanguine,  and  trustful. 
Such  errors  he  "  deeply  feels."  There  is  no  confession  of 
the  offences  charged  in  the  presentment.  The  Bishop  had 
no  idea  of  making  it  such.  The  Committee  did  not  pre- 
tend so  to  name  it.  One  of  the  counsel  for  the  Presenters 
styled  it  "  a  confession  of  innocence,"  and  it  cannot  be 
more  aptly  described.  That  it  was  felt  by  the  Court  to  be 
no  more,  is  apparent  from  the  fact  that  it  ordered  that 
"  The  presentment  be  dismissed,  and  the  Eespondent  be 
discharged  without  day."  No  punishment — not  even  a 
word  of  gentle  admonition  !  And  all  this  with  the  remon- 
strance of  the  Presenters  —  theii*  declaration  that  they 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  381 

were  ready  with  their  evidence  to  enter  upon  trial  —  and 
their  earnest  petition  that  the  Eespondent  be  required  to 
plead  guilty  or  not  guilty  to  the  presentment  now  in  the 
hands  of  the  Court. 

The  grave  earnestness  and  steadfast  purpose  of  the  three 
Bishops  left  no  room  to  doubt  the  honesty  of  their  convic- 
tions, or  the  conscientiousness  of  their  course.  Neither 
the  gross  insults  heaped  upon  them  on  one  hand,  nor  the 
disappointment  which  they  experienced  on  the  other,  pro- 
voked them  to  resent  the  affronts,  or  to  abandon  the  pro- 
secution in  disgust.  The  manly  manner  and  Christian 
spirit  in  which,  to  the  last,  they  stood  up  to  the  painful 
duty  which  they  felt  themselves  called  upon  to  perform, 
rendered  the  order  of  the  Court,  declaring  the  belief  that 
the  "  Presenters  had  acted  in  good  faith  and  in  the  desire 
and  determination  to  carry  out  the  law  of  this  Church!" 
mere  surplusage.  How  far  the  Presenters  could'  recipro- 
cate the  compliment,  they  were  not  afforded  the  opportu- 
nity to  affirm. 

It  is  but  justice  to  the  Bishop  Eespondent  to  record  that 
his  bearing  was  bold — often  defiant.  His  management  of 
the  case  was  very  able,  and  in  close  keeping  with  his 
avowed  purpose  to  maintain  "  the  rights  of  his  Diocese," 
and  to  protect  his  order,  by  "  making  the  trial  of  a  Bishop 
hard."  Notwithstanding  the  violence  into  which,  under 
the  exciting  matters  involved  he  was  too  often  betrayed, 
even  those  who  did  not  sympathize  with  his  aim  and  policy, 
saw  much  to  admire  in  his  address,  and  to  strengthen 
their  wish  that  he  would  face  his  accusers,  and  clear 
himself  of  the  charges  in  the  presentment.  His  firmness 
never  even  seemed  to  falter,  till  he  was  meddled  with  by 
the  compromising  Committee.  The  character  of  the  mo- 
tives which  they  vainly  tried  upon  the  Presenters,  is  dis- 
closed in  the  paper  prepared  and  read  to  them  by  Bishop 
Meade.  What  inducements  they  offered  to  influence  the 
Bishop  Respondent  no  one  has  revealed.     A  second  and  a 


382  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

third  application  were  requisite,  before  he  conceded  the 
minimum  which  would  be  available  as  a  pretext  for  dis- 
missing the  presentment — a  concession  which,  though  in 
fact  it  scarcely  stirs  him  from  the  spot  on  which  he  stood 
and  "challenged  the  world,"  yet,  under  the  circumstances, 
might  be  regarded  by  some,  as  a  slight  yielding  to  pres- 
sure, that  the  Court  might  be  able  to  let  the  presentment 
pass  away  smoothly  without  discredit  to  themselves  or 
detriment  to  the  Eespondent. 

Throughout  this  sketch,  the  conduct  of  the  Bishop  of 
New  Jersey  in  resisting  investigation  by  his  Convention, 
and  in  his  action  in  reference  to  the  proceedings  of  the 
three  Bishops  has  been  freely  censured;  but,  in  regard  to 
the  rumors  and  charges  not  a  line  or  a  sj^llable  has  been 
penned  expressive  of  a  belief  that  all,  or  any  of  them,  were 
true.  The  Presenters  held  them  all  to  be  true ;  but  the 
proof  on  which  their  convictions  were  founded  never 
passed  from  their  possession,  and  even  if  it  had,  it  might 
have  failed  to  convince  others.  Less,  should  not  be  said ; 
more,  could  not  be  asked. 

With  regard  to  the  Court,  it  was  irreproachable,  until, 
perverted  by  a  plausible  spirit  of  compromise,  it  descended 
from  the  bench  to  negotiate  between  the  accusers  and  the 
accused,  and  brought  its  business  to  a  close  by  a  determi- 
nation more  creditable  to  its  sympathies  than  conducive 
to  its  judicial  reputation.  Of  this  censure  the  writer  appro- 
priates to  himself  his  full  share. 

The  Presenters  came  out  of  the  embroilment  un- 
swayed and  untarnished ;  and  carried  with  them  the  com- 
fortable consciousness  that,  though  foiled  by  the  delin- 
quency of  the  Court,  they  had  done  their  duty,  their 
whole  duty,  and  nothing  but  their  duty. 

On  subsequent  occasions,  the  Bishop  of  Yirginia  was 
placed  in  official  positions  which  required  him  to  ignore 
his  honest  convictions  in  connection  with  the  New  Jersey 
case,  or  else,  to  do  what  could  not  but  be  painful  to  him- 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  383 

self,  and  offensive  to  Bishop  Doane,  and  those  by  whom, 
he  was  sustained.  Under  such  circumstances  he  did  not 
allow  himself  to  hesitate,  or  to  compromise.  He  often 
said  to  others  "  Stick  to  truth  —  it  may  get  you  into  difii- 
culty  at  first,  but  it  will  surely  aud  safely  bring  you  out." 
His  action  on  one  of  these  occasions  and  the  considerations 
by  which  he  was  governed,  are  stated  in  a  manuscript 
which  he  wrote  fifteen  days  after  the  event. 

"Notice  of  an  occurrence  at  a  Missionary  Meeting  in 
Baltimore  on  the  evening  of  the  13th  of  October,  1858, 
written  in  Lunenburg  Co.,  Virginia,  Oct.  28,  being  the  first 
opportunity  as  to  time  after  leaving  Baltimore. 

"At  a  late  meeting  of  the  General  Missionary  Society  of 
our  Church  in  Baltimore  on  the  13th  of  October,  1858, 
being  the  senior  Bishop  present  and  presiding,  having  ap- 
pointed the  committees  that  were  called  for,  and,  as  usual 
on  such  occasions,  having  omitted  the  name  of  Bishop 
Doane  on  any  of  them,  a  brother  Bishop  arose,  and  after 
speaking  of  his  worthiness  to  be  placed  on  some  commit- 
tee on  account  of  past  services,  moved  that  he  be  added  to 
that  on  the  Eeport  of  the  Managers  of  the  Domestic  De- 
partment. I  immediately  arose,  and  expressed  my  regret 
that  such  motion  had  been  made,  as  it  imposed  upon  me 
the  necessity  of  saying  something  in  self-defence  for  the 
course  I  had  pursued  for  some  years  in  relation  to  this 
subject — that  I  must  under  the  circumstances  of  the  case, 
regard  the  motion  as  conveying  a  decided,  though  indirect 
censure  on  myself,  and  that  I  was  prepared  to  enter  as 
fully  as  might  be  required,  upon  a  statement  of  the  reasons 
for  the  course  I  had  pursued.  The  Bishop  making  the 
motion  rose,  and  declared  that  he  had  no  design  to  cast 
any  censure  on  me.  I  replied  that  after  all  that  had  trans- 
pired in  relation  to  this  matter,  and  which  was  well  known 
to  those  present,  it  must  bear  that  asj^ect,  and,  if  carried, 
must  have  that  effect. 

"  At  this  moment  a  lay  member  rose,  and  after  some  re- 


384  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

marks  called  me  to  order,  denying  my  right  to  do  anything 
but  put  the  question.  I  replied  that  I  had  for  a  great 
many  years  of  my  life  been  presiding  over  public  meetings, 
and  thought  I  knew  something  of  the  privileges  of  the 
Chair — and  that  I  had  never  before  heard  the  right  of  a 
Chairman  to  make  some  remarks  before  putting  a  motion, 
called  in  question ;  and  as  this  had  a  bearing  on  myself, 
I  should  assert  that  right.  The  laymen  then  proposed  to 
the  mover  to  withdraw  it,  which  was  acceded  to,  and  the 
Society  immediately  adjourned. 

"  The  following  is  a  brief  history  of  my  past  action  in  this 
matter,  and  statement  of  my  reasons  for  the  same : 

"  The  attempted  trial  of  Bishop  Doane  for  the  second  time, 
and  the  dismissal  of  the  case,  on  the  ground  of  some  par- 
tial confession,  took  place  just  before  the  G-eneral  Conven- 
tion of  1853.  It  was  hoped  that  after  so  humiliating  a 
confession  as  he  was  obliged  to  make  in  order  to  escape  a 
trial,  and  all  that  was  injurious  to  the  Church  in  what  had 
occurred,  and  what  had  been  published  to  the  world,  that 
he  would  not  attend  that  Convention.  The  Presenters 
were  told,  in  order  to  induce  their  acquiescence  in  the  dis- 
missal of  the  case,  that  he  was  humble  and  penitent,  and 
would  henceforth  bear  himself  meekly  and  modestly,  and 
retire  from  public  notice.  He  did,  however,  attend  that 
Convention,  where  not  only  the  Bishops,  clergy  and  laity 
of  our  Church  were  assembled  in  great  numbers  from  all 
parts  of  our  land,  but  to  which  Bishops  and  clergy  of  our 
mother  Church  from  England  and  Canada  had  come  on 
matters  of  deep  concernment,  and  there  was  deep  mortifi- 
cation felt  that  he  should  be  present  and  prominent  on 
some  public  occasions.  In  the  absence  of  Bishop  Brown- 
well  from  these  meetings  held  on  the  evenings  of  certain 
days  for  missionary  and  other  purposes,  it  fell  to  my  lot 
to  preside  and  appoint  the  committees  that  were  required. 
I  felt  that  to  appoint  Bishop  Doane  on  any  of  them  would 
be  most  offensive  and  distressing  to  the  feelings  of  num- 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  385 

bers  of  the  best  friends  of  religion  and  the  Church,  as  there 
were  so  many  other  Bishops  present  worthy  to  fill  the 
places  to  be  supplied.  I  appointed  them  to  the  same  in 
the  exercise  of  that  discretion  which  belongs  to  every  pre- 
siding officer.  For  not  appointing  Bishop  Doane,  I  was 
censured  by  some,  and  Bishop  Doane  himself,  in  open  as- 
sembly, complained  that  I  did  not  put  him  as  Chairman 
of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions,  as  he  had  hereto- 
fore been.  But,  receiving  the  thanks  of  many  whose  judg- 
ment and  character  I  highly  esteem,  and  having  no  reason 
to  believe  that  any  change  in  the  character  of  the  Bishop 
required  a  change  on  my  part,  I  have  continued  to  act  in 
the  same  manner  in  all  those  public  meetings  of  the  Gen- 
eral Missionary  Society  which  annually  occur,  and  over 
which  I  have  presided,  there  having  always  been  Bishops 
enough  present  whom  I  deem  more  worthy  to  be  on  the 
committees,  and  whom  I  had  a  perfect  right  to  select. 

"  I  do  not  deny  the  right  of  any  body  over  which  I  pre- 
side to  adopt  their  own  method  of  appointing  commit- 
tees, whether  by  ballot,  by  nomination,  or  by  the  Chair; 
nor,  when  the  nomination  is  by  the  Chair,  do  I  question 
the  right  of  the  body  to  add  to  the  committee,  or  the  pro- 
priety of  so  doing,  when  the  committee  stand  in  need  of 
aid  from  one  especially  competent  to  render  it ;  but  when 
such  addition  is  proposed  under  circumstances  calculated 
to  call  in  question  the  right  discharge  of  duty  by  the  pre- 
siding officer,  and  of  course  to  reflect  upon  him  as  in  the 
present  instance,  I  affirm  the  right  of  defence  on  his  part, 
in  some  explanatory  remarks  before  putting  the  question. 
I  also  remark,  that  when  an  individual  thus  rises  and  nom- 
inates one  to  be  added  to  a  committee,  he  actually  becomes 
the  chairman  ;  for  such  nomination  is  certainly  an  election ; 
for  it  is  so  painful  a  thing  to  reject,  that  it  will  scarce  ever 
be  done,  no  matter  how  niuch  opposed  to  the  nomination 
the  majority  of  the  body  may  be.  It  is  also  well  known 
that  some  take  advantage  of  this  unwillingness  to  object, 
17 


386  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

in  order  to  elevate  some  favorite,  or  effect  some  special 
object. 

"  If  I  am  asked  whether  I  do  not  by  this  conduct  in  the 
Chair  cast  some  censure  on  my  brother  Bishops,  who  on 
a  certain  confession  of  Bishop  Doane  dismissed  the  charges, 
and  left  him  in  the  position  of  a  pardoned  person,  or  of  one 
who  has  suffered  the  penalty  assigned  by  his  judges,  and 
has  a  right  to  all  the  privileges  before  possessed  ? — I  reply, 
that  such  persons  are  not  necessarily  restored  to  all  the 
honors  and  privileges  formerly  possessed.  We  may  refuse 
to  one  whose  previous  guilt  or  present  unworthiness  we 
suspect  or  believe,  our  society  or  confidence  and  respect, 
though  there  be  certain  rights  which  belong  to  him.  In 
like  manner,  one  in  ofiice  may  use  his  discretionjn  the  se- 
lection of  such.  The  chairman  of  any  body  has  no  law 
but  his  own  judgment  and  conscience  to  regulate  his  selec- 
tion of  committees,  though  he  will  doubtless  pay  a  due  re- 
gard to  the  opinions  of  others.  I  should  be  truly  sorry, 
even  to  seem  to  cast  censure  on  my  brother  Bishops,  but 
I  should  incur  the  condemnation  of  my  own  heart,  and  of 
One  infinitely  greater,  were  I  to  act  contrary  to  the  con- 
victions of  my  own  mind,  in  order  to  avoid  seeming  to  dis- 
approve their  course.  In  dismissing  the  charges  against 
Bishop  Doane,  I  have  always  considered  and  said,  that 
they  were  worried  and  almost  forced  into  a  measure  which 
was  most  painful  to  most  of  them  at  the  time,  and  which 
some  of  them  have  deeply  regretted  since,  and,  though  the 
Presenters  objected  to  it  to  the  last,  they  have  never  been 
disposed  to  severity  in  their  complaints. 

"  Being  subject  to  evil  reports  and  having  opposed  and 
thwarted  all  attempts  to  investigate  scandalous  charges, 
instead  of  following  the  examples  of  high-minded  and  hon- 
orable men,  who  call  for  the  strictest  investigation  into  their 
characters,  I  cannot  feel  that  I  am  bound  to  confer  an  ofiice 
on  him,  which  for  the  time  being  is  in  my  gift,  although 
in  the  performance  of  public  services,  I  am  bound  to  ad- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  387 

minister  the  Lord's  Supper   to  him,  and   in  some  other 
respects  to  act  towards  him  as  to  the  other  Bishops. 

"In  conclusion,  I  add,  that  in  the  course  pursued  under 
the  circumstances  in  which  Providence  has  placed  me,  and 
the  responsibility  resting  on  me  as  a  presiding  officer,  I 
have  acted  as  one  bound  to  remove,  as  much  as  in  me  lay, 
some  share  of  that  heavy  weight  of  odium  which  the  in- 
dividual in  question  has  brought  upon  the  Church,  by 
withholding  such  honor  from  him,  as  I  lawfully  could,  in 
the  discharge  of  such  office  as  has  fallen  to  my  lot — that 
it  might  not  be  said,  that  the  Church  in  her  highest  as- 
semblies and  most  important  meetings,  had  lavished  her 
choicest  favors  upon  him." 

MOVEMENTS    FOR   THE    REMISSION    OF   THE   SENTENCES    OF 

SUSPENSION. 

From  the  first  there  appears  to  have  been  a  settled  pur- 
pose on  the  part  of  certain  Bishops  in  the  minority  to  use 
every  effort  to  procure  the  restoration  of  the  suspended 
Bishops.  This  was  to  have  been  expected  from  their,  no 
doubt,  honest  persuasion  that  in  each  case  the  penalty 
was  either  unlawfully  imposed  or  unduly  severe,  or  per- 
haps both.  The  Bishop  of  Maryland  had  announced  that 
he  "did  not  mean  to  cease  his  efforts  until  both  the  brothers 
are  replaced  in  the  positions  in  which  they  once  were." 
(Letter  from  Eev.  Paul  Trapier  to  Bishop  Meade.) 

A  memorial  from  the  Eight  Kev.  B.  T.  Onderdonk,  D.  D., 
was  addressed  to  the  General  Convention  which  met  in 
New  York  in  1847.  The  Committee  to  whom  it  was  re- 
ferred, in  their  report,  which  furnished  a  brief  reply  to  the 
considerations  urged  by  the  memorial,  closes  thus  :  "  But 
Avhile  your  committee  sustain  the  proposition  that  the  re- 
mission of  that  sentence  is  a  possible  event  in  contempla- 
tion of  law,  they  deem  it  but  justice  to  the  memorialist, 
and  to  the  Diocese  of  New  York  to  add,  that  they  consider 


388  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

the  possibility  of  its  occurrence  so  slender  and  remote,  as 
scarcely  to  afford  a  reasonable  basis  for  future  action. 

"In  conclusion,  your  committee  respectfully  recommend 
the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution  : 

'■'"Resolved,  That  the  memorialist  have  leave  to  withdraw 
his  letter  and  memorial. 

"  All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

"T.  C.  Brownell, 
"John  H.  Hopkins, 
"I.  P.  E.  Henshaw, 
"GrEO.  W.  Freeman." 

Bishop  McCoskry  signed  "  as  concurring  in  the  resolu- 
tions without  taking  part  in  the  argument  of  the  Com- 
mittee." 

When  the  question  was  put,  sixteen  Bishops  voted  in 
the  affirmative,  six  in  the  negative.  The  Bishop  of  New 
Hampshire  did  not  vote. 

"With  regard  to  the  effort  to  effect  the  restoration  of  the 
other  brother,  a  manuscript  of  Bishop  Meade  furnishes 
the  following  account  : 

"  General  Convention  of  1847. 

"  Immediately  on  the  meeting  of  the  Bishops,  after  the 
opening  services  in  the  Church  were  over,  the  first*  me- 
morial from  Bishop  Onderdonk  of  New  York  was  read. 
That  laid  on  the  table,  Bishop  Whittingham  proposed  the 
restoration  of  Bishop  Onderdonk  of  Pennsylvania,  having 
prepared  a  regular  sentence  for  the  purpose.  Bishop  De- 
Lancey  seconded  it,  saying  that  he  had  intended  to  do  it 
himself  Bishop  DeLancey  urged  its  immediate  passage 
before  we  adjourned,  saying  that  every  moment's  delay 
was  injustice  to  Bishop  Onderdonk. 

"  I  rose  and  expressed  my  astonishment  at  this  whole 


*  It  was  a  letter  to  the  Bishops.     The  memorial  was  not  presented  till 
the  sixth  day's  session. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  389 

proceeding,  especially  the  haste  which  was  urged,  express- 
ed my  fear  that  this  was  one  of  those  mercies  which  might 
prove  cruel  to  the  object  of  its  exercise  and  to  the  whole 
Church,  that  no  evidence  of  confession  or  penitence  was 
produced,  and  moved  to  lay  the  resolution  on  the  table. 

"  On  the  following  morning.  Bishop  Whittingham  called 
up  his  resolution,  stated  that  he  had  made  it  his  business 
to  go  to  Philadelphia  to  inquire  into  the  case — that  there 
could  be  no  question  of  his  repentance  and  reformation, 
that  there  was  but  one  sentiment  in  the  Church  of  Penn- 
sylvania, and  that  was  strongly  in  favor  of  his  restoration. 

"  Bishops  DeLancey,  Kemper,  Ives,  and  McCoskry  fol- 
lowed, each  declaring  that  they  had  visited  Philadelphia 
and  made  special  inquiry,  and  found  that  there  was  an 
universal  desire  for  his  restoration — the  latter  saying  that 
the  members  of  other  denominations  would,  in  the  streets, 
express  their  astonishment  that  such  a  man  was  still  kept 
under  suspension.  Bishop  Brownell  expressed  his  willing- 
ness, under  such  a  representation,  to  restore  him  to  the 
office  of  Presbyter.  Bishop  Whittingham  expressed  his 
readiness  to  accept  this.  In  opposition  to  all  this,  I  rose 
and  still  expressed  my  incredulity  as  to  the  main  fact 
stated,  viz. :  the  universal  wish  for  his  restoration — that 
I  had  seen  two  or  three  of  the  clergy  of  Pennsylvania, 
since  our  adjournment,  who  expressed  their  utter  astonish- 
ment at  the  proposition,  declared  that  it  would  come  as  a 
surprise  on  the  whole  Diocese,  and  give  great  dissatisfac- 
tion— that  they  scarcely  knew  of  any  who  would  not 
grieve  at  it.  I  moreover  stated  that  I  was  informed  some- 
time since,  that  in  May  last,  various  attempts  were  made 
by^ome  few  persons  to  get  up  a  memorial  in  his  behalf, 
but  that  it  was  an  utter  failure. 

"  Bishop  Whittingham  here  interrupted  me,  saying  that 
he  knew  much  more  of  that  meeting  than  I  did — that 
there  would  have  been  an  unanimous  vote  in  favor  of  a 
memorial,  but  for  the  fear  in  the  minds  of  some,  that  an 


390  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

act  of  justice  to  one  brother  might  lead  to  an  act  of  merCy 
to  the  other.  I  replied  that  it  was  most  strange  indeed 
that  the  Bishop's  friends,  met  to  ask  an  act  of  justice  for 
him,  should  be  driven  from  that,  and  desert  him,  lest  it 
should  lead  to  an  act  of  mercy  to  another — that  his  friends 
at  that  meeting  would  indignantly  have  repelled  such  an 
imputation  from  themselves.  I  proceeded  then  to  state 
that  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania  had  scarcely  made  any 
confession  three  years  since,  on  which  to  ground  a  sen- 
tence. Moreover,  that  if  all  the  information  which  ought 
to  have  been  laid  before  the  Bishops,  in  regard  to  his  guilt, 
had  been  so  done,  he  would  have  been  tried  and  degraded, 
and  not  permitted  to  hope  for  restoration — that  copies  of 
a  printed  statement  of  charges,  signed  by  other  clergy  of 
Pennsylvania,  were  put  into  the  hands  of  one  of  the  Bish- 
ops to  be  given  to  all  the  rest,  and  other  documents  were 
in  readiness  when  called  for — that  such  printed  document 
was  never  seen  by  a  humber  of  the  Bishops,  and  that  in 
order  to  judge  of  the  propriety  of  his  restoration  these 
documents  should  now  be  examined,  in  order  that  we 
might  know  the  extent  of  the  evil  report  against  him,  and 
reproach  brought  on  the  Church  and  religion.  I  therefore 
moved  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  examine  into  the 
propriety  of  his  restoration,  with  power  to  call  for  docu- 
ments, and  summon  witnesses  as  to  the  evidences  of  his 
repentance  and  reformation,  and  as  to  the  general  desire 
for  his  restoration. 

"  The  motion  was  adopted,  and  Bishops  Brownell,  Ives 
and  myself  were  appointed  the  committee. 

"  Other  business  and  various  causes  prevented  the  meet- 
ing of  the  committee.  Bishop  Whittingham  called  for. the 
report  several  times,  and  said  he  was  prepared  to  meet 
any  objections  I  could  urge,  and  to  rebut  any  documents 
which  could  be  brought,  and  that  he  had  not  the  least 
doubt  as  to  the  result.  At  length  Bishop  Brownell  and 
Bishop  Ives  called  me,  one  day,  to  a  corner  of  the  room  and 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  391 

told  me  they  had  determined  on  the  report  which  he  held 
in  his  hand,  which  was  in  favor  of  his  restoration  to  full 
Episcopal  powers,  and  they  read  a  sentence  to  this  effect. 
I  expressed  to  them  my  surprise  at  their  mode  of  proceed- 
ing—  that  at  my  instance  a  committee  of  examination 
should  have  been  appointed,  myself  being  one  of  them,  and 
that  two  of  that  committee  should  without  calling  me  to 
a  conference,  agree  on  a  report,  and  merely  show  it  to  me 
before  its  presentment,  was  altogether  improper.  They 
replied  that  of  course  they  expected  me  to  offer  a  minority 
report.  I  told  them  that  was  not  enough,  that  the  object 
of  appointing  a  committee  was,  that  we  meet  and  examine 
documents  and  witnesses,  and  reason  the  matter,  and  see 
if  we  could  not  come  to  gome  agreement ;  but,  since  they 
did  not  choose  that  mode,  I  should  draw  up  my  own  opin- 
ion and  sustain  it.  I  accordingly  drew  up  a  report  against 
his  restoration,  stating  six  or  seven  objections  at  some 
length,  to  be  sustained  by  documents  and  arguments.  I 
presented  this  to  them,  and  requested  them  to  show  it  to 
Bishop  Whittingham. 

"  On  the  morning  when  the  report  was  to  be  presented, 
Bishop  Brownell  spoke  to  me,  saying  that  Bishop  Ives  and 
himself  had  agreed  that  if  I  would  unite  with  them  we 
would  report  unanimously  that  '  it  is  inexpedient  at  this 
time  to  restore  Bishop  Onderdonk.'  I  replied  that  I  ob- 
jected to  that,  because  it  seemed  to  say  that  it  might  be 
expedient  some  time  hence ;  whereas,  I  believed  it  never 
would  be  expedient.  But,  on  being  urged,  I  consented 
for  the  sake  of  peace,  and  to  avoid  unpleasant  argument. 

"  Accordingly  the  report  was  thus  presented,  but  it  did 
not  prevent  discussion.  Bishoj)  Gadsden  read  a  long  writ- 
ten argument  in  favor  of  his  restoration.  Bishop  DeLancey 
followed  at  some  length.  When  he  closed,  I  remarked  that 
it  was  my  hope  that  only  my  silent  vote  would  be  required, 
that  I  liad  been  led  to  believe  that  b}'  assenting  to  the  re- 
port, all  discussion  would  be  avoided,  and  the  whole  matter 


392  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

dismissed — that  I  was  opposed  to  the  report  first  drawn 
up,  and  had  drawn  up  a  minority  report,  and  that  the  com- 
mittee had  agreed  to  the  present,  on  the  supposition  that 
it  would  pass  without  debate ;  but,  as  it  was  otherwise,  I 
should  now  proceed  to  deliver  my  opinion,  and  as  a  basis 
would  read  my  minority  report.  This  being  done,  I  pro- 
ceeded to  sustain  it  by  documents  in  my  hand,  consisting 
of  letters  from  different  clergy  in  Pennsylvania,  protesting 
against  restoration  as  a  measure  unthought  of,  and  unasked 
for,  and,  as  they  believed,  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  the 
great  body  of  the  clergy  and  laity;  and  also,  by  the  printed 
document  referred  to  above,  and  signed  by  sixty-eight  of 
the  clergy  of  Pennsylvania.  I  began  with  the  latter,  but 
no  sooner  had  I  taken  it  in  hand,  when  Eishop  Whitting- 
ham  objected  to  its  being  read,  as  out  of  order,  because  re- 
ferring to  things  occurring  before  his  suspension.  Bishop 
McCoskry  said  nobody  knew  that  it  was  genuine — it  might 
have  been  raked  vup  from  the  streets.  I  maintained  that 
it  was  in  order,  and  the  Chair  decided  that  it  was. 

"  Bishop  Whittingham  appealed  to  the  House.  I  pro- 
ceeded to  show  that  it  was  in  order,  but  before  I  had 
stated  my  reasons,  a  conference  took  place  between  Bish- 
ops Whittingham,  Ives,  and  DeLancey,  and  the  whole  pro- 
position to  restore  was  withdrawn  by  the  mover,  Bishop 
Whittingham.  Not,  however,  without  his  declaring  that 
the  treatment  of  Bishop  Onderdonk  was  '  ungodly,  unmer- 
ciful and  unjust.'  For  this  he  was  called  to  order ;  when 
he  made  some  explanation,  which,  however,  was  to  my 
mind,  and  to  others  also,  I  am  sure,  entirely  unsatisfactory. 
He  also  moved  that  the  whole  matter  be  stricken  from  the 
Journal,  which  was  agreed  to." 

MINORITY  REPORT    OF    BISHOP    MEADE,    REFERRED    TO    IN  THE 
PRECEDING    STATEMENT. 

"  Report  of  the  minority  of  the  Committee  on  the  pro- 
position to  restore  the  late  Bishop  of  PennsylTania." 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  393 

''  The  undersigned  is  constrained  to  differ  from  the  ma- 
jority, and  begs  leave  to  state  some  of  his  reasons  for  so 
doing,  and  also  to  request  that  the  same  may  be  inserted 
on  the  Journal.  ^ 

"He  is  opposed  to  the  restoration  — 

"  First.  Because  he  has  no  evidence  that,  either  at  the  time 
of  the  sentence,  or  since,  Bishop  Henry  U.  Onderdonk  has 
ever  made  a  proper  confession  of  guilt,  and  been  truly 
humbled  on  account  of  it. 

"  Secondly.  Because  he  believes  that  Bishop  Onderdonk 
was  guilty  in  other  respects  besides  that  for  which  he  was 
suspended,  the  proofs  of  which  were  not  in  the  possession  of 
the  Bishops,  as  was  designed  by  those  who  obtained  them, 
and  which,  had  they  been  known,  would  probably  have 
led  to  his  presentment  and  degradation. 

"Thirdly.  Because  such  scandal  as  had  been  resting  on 
the  Church  for  so  many  years  on  account  of  his  intemper- 
ance, and  his  unbecoming  conduct  to  ladies,  cannot  be  re- 
moved by  a  suspension  of  three  j^ears.  On  the  contrary,  it 
is  believed  that  such  vices  as  those  imputed  to  him,  and  of 
which,  to  a  certain  extent,  he  acknowledged  himself  guilty, 
are  of  such  a  nature  as  to  debar  the  guilty  person  from  the 
resumption  of  Episcopal  or  ministerial  office. 

"  Fourthly.  Because  at  the  time  of  a  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention of  Pennsylvania,  sixty-eight  of  the  clergy  thereof 
united  in  a  printed  statement  of  the  great  scandal  produced 
throughout  the  Diocese  by  his  misconduct,  causing  the 
same  to  be  published,  and*  because  fifty-one  of  the  clergy 
and  fifty-five  of  the  congregations  of  the  Diocese,  did,  by 
their  vote  in  Convention  accepting  his  resignation,  (al- 
though he  endeavored  to  withdraw  it,)  show  their  full  con- 
viction of  his  guilt  in  the  matters  laid  to  his  charge ;  thir- 
teen clergymen  and  five  parishes  only  being  willing  to 
allow  him  to  withdraw  it;  and  because  there  is  no  evidence 
that  any  change  has  taken  place  in  their  opinions  and 
feelings  which  should  induce  us  to  believe  that  they  would 
17* 


394  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE,  ^ 

wish  his  restoration.  On  the  contrary,  from  all  the  inqui- 
ries the  undersigned  has  been  able  to  make,  and  from  let- 
ters in  his  possession,  he  believes  that  Bishop  Onderdonk's 
restoration  would  not  only  occasion  great  surprise,  but 
very  general  dissatisfaction  among  them. 

"  Fifthly.  Because  it  would  place  the  Bishop  and  clergy 
of  Pennsylvania,  or  any  other  Diocese  to  which  Bishop 
Onderdonk  might  remove,  in  a  very  embarrassing  and 
painful  situation,  and  might  lead  to  very  unhappy  discord 
among  the  clergy  and  congregations,  some  of  whom 
might  feel  bound  by  respect  to  the  action  of  the  Bishops 
in  restoring  him  to  admit  him  to  their  pulpits,  while  others 
would  be  restrained  by  conscience  from  so  doing.  And 
also,  because  in  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  Diocese  of  Penn- 
sylvania, or  the  need  of  an  assistant  to  the  present  Bishop, 
the  undersigned  is  confident  that  the  Diocese  of  Pennsyl- 
vania would  not  be  willing  to  re-elect  the  restored  Bishop 
as  their  Diocesan  or  assistant  Bishop. 

"And,  Lastly.  Because,  without  the  fullest  proof  of  a 
candid  acknowledgment  of  guilt  in  the  matters  laid  to  his 
charge,  and  an  expression  of  heartfelt  penitence,  and  an 
humble  petition  from  himself  for  restoration,  the  whole 
community  would  condemn  the  House  of  Bishops  for  such 
restoration,  even  if  it  could  be  brought  to  believe  that  re- 
storation were  proper,  under  any  circumstances,  after  such 
continued  and  disgraceful  deportment. 

"  For  these  and  other  reasons,  the  undersigned  must  dis- 
sent from  the  Keport  of  the  Majority." 

In  the  General  Convention  which  met  in  Cincinnati  in 
1850,  the  eiforts  for  the  restoration  of  the  Eight  Eev.  H.  U. 
Onderdonk  were  renewed,  and  by  the  same  parties  and  with 
unabated  earnestness.  They  were  again  successfully  re- 
sisted by  Bishop  Meade,  for  the  following,  among  other 
reasons : 

"  Because,  1.  After  such  offences  as  led  to  the  suspension. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  395 

restoration  would,  under  any  circumstances,  be   of  very 
questionable  propriety. 

2.  It  would  certainly  be  inadmissible,  without  satisfac- 
tory evidence  of  repentance  and  reformation.  No  such 
assurance  had  been  received  from  the  suspended  Bishop, 
and  some  who  advocated  his  restoration  stated  none  such 
would  be  given  by  him. 

3.  Even  if  he  should — if  he  were  to  appear  before  his 
brethren  and  in  the  posture  and  with  the  language  of  a 
penitent  pray  for  restoration -j- though  all  had  confidence 
in  his  profession,  and  freely  mingled  their  tears  of  joy 
with  his  tears  of  godly  sorrow — this  alone  would  not  be 
sufficient  to  justify  the  termination  of  the  sentence." 

Discipline  has  other  purposes  besides  the  reformation  of 
the  offender.  It  must  be  so  administered  as  to  express  the 
Church's  abhorrence  of  the  offence  and  her  determination 
not  to  permit  it  to  pass  unpunished — that  so  her  own  purity 
may  be  vindicated — her  members  be  deterred  from  evil 
living,  and  her  sacred  offices  be  conducted  by  an  irreproach- 
able ministry. 

That  these  ends  had  been  already  answered  by  this  case 
of  discipline,  there  was  no  proof.  The  Diocese  which  had 
requested  his  resignation,  and  from  which  the  pressure  came 
for  his  suspension,  neither  originated  nor  countenanced 
the  effort  for  his  restoration.  There  was  no  mistaking 
this  significant  silence.  To  terminate  the  sentence  against 
this  virtual  protest  would  be  to  trifle  with  discipline. 

The  efforts  which  signally  failed  in  1847  and  in  1850, 
were  successful  in  the  Convention  of  1853,  which  met  in 
Philadelphia ;  for,  though  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese 
expressed  no  wish  for  the  restoration,  it  was  now  zealously 
pressed  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  and  other  residents 
of  the  city,  whose  opinions  were  certainly  entitled  to  much 
consideration.  A  majority  in  favor  of  the  j^roposal  was 
secured.     After  a  suspension  of  nine  years  the  sentence 


396  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

was  remitted,  and  the  Eight  Eev.  H.  XJ.  Onderdonk  was 
restored  to  the  exercise  of  the  office  and  work  of  a  Bishop 
in  the  Church  of  Grod.  The  minority,  among  whom  was 
Bishop  Meade,  would  be  greatly  misunderstood  if  it  were 
suj^posed  they  did  not  sympathize  in  the  grateful  relief  af- 
forded to  a  suffering  brother,  though  effected  by  the  act  of 
others,  in  which  they  could  not  conscientiously  concur. 

In  the  General  Convention  at  Eichmond  in  1859,  the 
restoration  of  Bishop  B.  T.  Onderdonk  was  proposed,  but 
found  little  favor  except  with  the  Bishops  who  formed 
the  minority  of  the  Court  by  which  the  sentence  was  im- 
posed. 

The  preceding  pages  are  designed  to  set  forth,  with  as 
much  brevity  as  the  nature  of  the  case  would  admit,  the 
part  taken  by  Bishop  Meade  in  connection  with  the  pro- 
ceedings which  have  been  narrated.  For  that  agency,  he 
was,  as  has  been  stated,  violently  assailed,  not  only  by 
some  of  the  Church  papers  of  the  time,  but  in  a  pamphlet 
signed  "A  member  of  the  Church,"  written  by  Horace 
Binney,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia.  It  is  a  very  magisterial  con- 
demnation of  the  action  of  the  Bishops  in  the  suspension  of 
Bishop  H.  U.  Onderdonk,  as  unjust,  uncanonical  and  illegal 
— a  very  bitter  censure  of  the  Bishops  who  declined  granting 
the  application  for  a  remission  of  the  sentence  in  1847,  and 
a  specially  sarcastic  assault  on  Bishop  Meade  as  the  eccle- 
siastical Jeffries  of  his  day.  To  this  "  statement  of  the 
case  of  Bishop  H.  U.  Onderdonk,"  Bishop  Meade  published 
a  counter-statement  in  which,  with  his  habitual  modera- 
tion, he  corrects  the  offensive  errors  of  his  trained  assail- 
ant by  an  unpretending  recital  of  the  facts  of  which  he  was 
personally  cognizant,  leaving  the  distinguished  jurist  and 
his  legal  arguments  to  be  attended  to  by  Bishop  Hop- 
kins, who  it  was  understood  was  preparing  a  reply. 

Of  Bishop  Meade's  "  Counter-statement,"  Mr.  Binney 
published  a  "  Eeview,"  which  certainly  did  not  excel  his 


MEMOIR  OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  397 

"  Statement,"  either  in  accuracy  or  amiableness.  He  re- 
fuses to  admit  the  Bishop's  declaration  that  his  personal 
relations  with  Bishop  Onderdonk  had  always  been  of  the 
most  friendly  character — asserts  that  the  sole  import  of 
the  declaration  was  "to  enhance  the  justice  of  his  reluc- 
tant severity,"  sneers  at  what  he  calls  the  Bishop's  high- 
toned  and  sublimated  notions  upon  the  subject  of  disci- 
pline, of  which  he  has  given  decisive  evidence  by  being 
the  foremost  man  in  every  instance  of  judicial  discipline, 
either  consummated  or  attemj^ted  in  this  quarter  of  the 
Church. 

How  utterly  false  this  assertion  is,  the  narrative  renders 
perfectly  palpable.  There  were  altogether  but  three  in- 
stances of  judicial  discipline  consummated  or  attempted  in 
"  this  quarter  of  the  Church."  1st.  Bishop  H.  XJ.  Ondcr- 
donk's,  with  which  Bishop  Meade  had  nothing  to  do,  till 
placed  on  the  committee  to  whom  the  matter  was  referred 
in  the  House  of  Bishops ;  and  there  is  no  evidence  of  his 
action  on  the  committee,  further  than  to  concur  in  the  re- 
port and  resolution  as  submitted  to  the  House. 

2nd.  Bishop  B.  T.  Onderdonk's,  in  which,  of  the  three 
presenting  Bishops,  Bishop  Meade  was  the  last  who  agreed 
to  engage  in  the  inquiry  which  led  to  the  trial.  His  name 
precedes  the  other  two,  simply  because  he  Avas  their 
senior. 

3rd.  Bishop  Doane's,  in  which,  as  the  correspondence 
shows,  Bishop  Meade  was  neither  foremost  in  the  pro- 
ceedings, nor  did  he  yield  to  the  canonical  requisition  made 
upon  him,  until  he  had  endeavored,  as  far  as  allowable,  to 
excuse  himself  from  the  disagreeable  duty.  A  very  little 
inquiry  would  have  saved  Mr.  Binney  from  a  misrepresent- 
ation as  unworthy  of  himself,  as  it  was  calculated  to  prove 
injurious  to  the  character  of  Bishop  Meade. 

But  the  temper  of  the  Reviewer  will  be  better  appre- 
hended by  the  annexed  quotation  from  the  same  para- 
graph : 


398  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

"  The  psychological  fact  has  been  too  often  illustrated 
to  admit  of  any  doubt,  that  such  minds  have  very  little 
difficulty  in  driving  the  currents  of  the  heart  back  to  their 
fountains,  or  in  drying  them  up  by  the  heat  of  conscien- 
tious zeal,  in  a  service  which  they  deem  to  be  their  highest 
duty,  and  rightly,"  if  they  understood  it  rightly.  But 
herein  is  the  difficulty,  that  when  the  streams  of  mind  and 
heart  become  disunited,  which  our  beneficent  Creator 
meant  to  run  together  to  temper  our  feelings  with  wisdom 
and  our  judgment  with  gentleness  and  mercy,  then  our 
sharp  and  steel-edged  minds,  left  to  their  own  sway,  with- 
out the  tempering  influence  of  their  better  companion,  cut 
their  way  even  to  the  bloodiest  conclusions  without  re- 
morse ;  for  remorse  is  in  general  but  the  biting  back  of 
the  heart's  current  into  that  untempered  torrent  that  had 
swept  on  to  the  end  alone.  There  is  no  necessity  of  re- 
ferring to  Calvin  and  Servetus.  Calvin  was  both  a  great 
and  good  man.  '  Luther,  Knox,  Cranmer  had  the  same 
sharp  dividing  mind,  and  at  times  drove  it  up  to  the  head 
in  the  bowels  of  humanity,  with  the  same  unrelenting 
stroke.  It  was  in  a  great  degree  the  fault  of  their  age.  It 
may  be  a  personal  fault  in  any  age." 

This  extraordinary  passage  is  cited,  not  because  of  any 
peculiar*  psychological  truth  or  profundity  which  it  ex- 
hibits. The  fact  so  elaborately  treated,  may  be  conceded 
without  adopting  the  philosophy  by  which  it  is  cumbered. 
Neither  is  it  commended  by  its  rhetorical  refinement,  for 
from  beginning  to  end  it  presents  a  tissue  of  mixed  meta- 
phor attributable  to  "  the  streams  "  of  judgment  and  imag- 
ination becoming  disunited,  and  so  leaving  "  the  untem- 
pered torrent "  of  the  latter,  "  to  sweep  on  to  its  end 
alone."  But  these  are  irrelevant  and  minor  matters  in 
comparison  with  the  sad  proof  and  illustration  which  the 
paragraph  affords  of  the  very  theory  which  its  author  ex- 
pounds. It  is  better  dismissed,  with  the  single  remark 
that,  its  spirit  is  clear  to  impartial  readers  as  the  sun  at 


MEMOIR   pP   BISHOP  MEADE.  399 

noonday,  obviating  the  necessity  of  a  detailed  notice  of 
the  harsh  charges  and  tart  reflections  with  which  the  Ee- 
view  abounds.  The  corrective  of  the  mis-statements  is 
amply  provided  in  the  brief  history  of  the  cases  furnished 
with  this  view ;  and  the  arguments  of  the  astute  assailant 
of  the  Bishops  will  be  found  satisfactorily  disposed  of  in 
''  a  Letter  "  addressed  by  Bishop  Hopkins  of  Yermont,  "  to 
the  clergy  and  laity  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States,"  and  entitled  '^  the  True  Church  Princi- 
ples of  Restoration  to  the  Episcopal  Office."  .This  remark- 
able letter  appears  to  have  settled  the  legal  questions  in- 
volved. Ko  reply  was  attempted.  It  ends  with  an  ap- 
propriate testimony  to  the  character  and  course  of  Bishop 
Meade,  which  will  afford  a  pleasing  close  to  the  painful 
subject  of  ecclesiastical  discipline. 

"  And  now  I  close  my  humble  labor  in  defence  of  the 
House  of  Bishops.  Much  might  be  added,  if  I  were  in- 
clined £o  notice  the  many  sharp  thrusts  of  our  adversary, 
and  especially  his  severe  attack  on  Bishop  Meade,  my 
worthy  and  widely  reverenced  brother  of  Virginia.  But  on 
this  field  of  remark,  I  shall  not  enter.  My  object  is  to 
vindicate  principles  rather  than  men,  and  men  only  as  far 
as  they  maintain  those  principles  which  constitute  the 
praise  and  glory  of  the  Church  throughout  the  world. 

"  Bishop  Meade  stands  in  no  need  of  defence  from  me. 
His  life  is  his  defence,  and  I  would  to  Grod  that  we  could 
all  appeal  to  the  same  evidence  with  equal  safety." 

"  Our  learned  antagonist,  however,  seems  to  think  it 
matter  of  reproach,  that  this  eminent  man  has  been  the 
leader  in  all  the  presentments  against  Bishops.  But  who 
has  a  right  to  impeach  the  honesty  of  his  motives,  or  the 
utility  of  his  labors,  in  this  most  thankless,  and  yet  most 
important  part  of  his  official  duty  ?  Assuredly  there  are 
thousands  in  our  land  who  have  cordially  approved  it  — 
while  yet  there  might  not  be  one  amongst  them  all  who 
would  have  undergone  the  odium,  toil,  and  trouble,  of  the 


400  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

task.  As  to  myself,  I  lay  no  claim  to  the  Christian  bold- 
ness and  fearlessness  which  it  required.  But  yet,  I  should 
esteem  it  an  honor,  far  beyond  any  in  my  reach,  if  my 
epitaph  could  say,  '  Here  lies  the  body  of  a  Bishop,  who 
was  distinguished  beyond  all  his  brethren  for  his  zealous, 
sincere,  and  consistent  support  of  pure  Church  disci- 
pline.' "  (pp.  38-9.) 

DOUBLE   DUTIES,    AS   RECTOR   AND   BISHOP. 

The  duties  which  devolved  upon  Bishop  Meade  in  the 
double  relationship  which  he  sustained  as  Rector  and  Dio- 
cesan were  arduous,  and  not  unfrequently  so  conflicting  in 
their  claims  as  to  render  it  questionable  whether  they 
could  both  be  satisfactorily  discharged  by  one  and  the 
same  incumbent.  If  it  could  be  accomplished  by  any  one. 
Bishop  Meade,  with  his  iron  constitution,  active  habits, 
and  indefatigable  energy,  must  have  succeeded.  His  heart 
was  in  both  ministrations,  and  he  was  alike  apt  and  meet 
to  perform  either  to  the  honor  of  God,  and  the  edifying  of 
His  Church.  In  one  of  the  smaller  Dioceses  he  would  have 
had  no  difficulty,  but  with  a  territory  of  61,352  square 
miles,  and,  at  this  period,  few  of  the  facilities  for  travel- 
ing which  present  internal  improvements  afford,  even  his 
herculean 'Strength  and  unsurpassed  diligence  were  inade- 
quate to  the  combined  services.  With  the  increasing  de- 
mands of  the  Diocese,  the  relinquishment  of  that  office 
which  could  be  resigned^  was  only  a  question  of  time,  and 
in  due  season  it  became  matter  of  fact.  This  may  seem  an 
inconsiderable  change  to  be  so  seriously  noted,  and  yet,  if 
the  testimony  of  those  who  have  experienced  it  be  listened 
to,  it  is  just  here  that  the  most  painful  sacrifice  is  made 
by  the  minister  of  a  congregation  who  loves  the  work 
which  he  leaves,  to  assume  the  responsibilities  and  devote 
himself  exclusively  to  the  peculiar  functions  of  the  Epis- 
copate. Outside  the  divinely -instituted  family- circle, 
there  is  no  relation  as  sacred,  refined,  tender,  and  eventful 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE.  401 

as  that  which  is  formed  and  fostered  by  the  parochial 
office  and  its  various  ministrations.  The  "good  work"  of 
a  Bishop  has  strong  attractions  to  one  who  rightly  appre- 
ciates its  high  and  holy  services,  of  which  none  perhaps  is 
more  alluring  than  the  privilege  of  proclaiming  the  pre- 
cious gospel  to  the  crowds  who  congregate  at  the  different 
points  of  an  Episcopal  visitation,  and  under  circumstances 
which  open  a  great  and  effectual  door  to  the  ambassador 
of  Christ.  But  even  these  special  opportunities  lack  the 
lively  and  affecting  interest  which  attends  the  parochial 
dispensation  of  the  Word.  If  a  Bishop  preaches  to  the 
many,  he  is  to  most  of  them  personally  a  stranger.  He 
preaches,  and  passes  on,  ignorant  of  the  reception  given 
to  his  message.  If  any  have  been  impressed,  he  must 
leave  it  to  others  to  hear  their  anxious  inquiries,  and,  with 
frequent  prayer  and  faithful  instruction,  disperse  their 
doubts,  encourage  their  desires,  and  bring  them  to  Jesus — 
a  process  of  deep  and  delightful  interest,  and  productive  of 
a  bond  of  most  affectionate  and  enduring  friendship. 
These  hallowed  ties  are  constantly  forming  between  the 
faithful  parish  minister  and  his  people ;  but  if  he  becomes 
exclusively  a  Diocesan,  he  is  unavoidably  withdrawn  from 
the  sphere  where  they  originate,  and  from  the  intercourse 
by  which  they  are  commenced  and  cherished.  So,  also,  in 
reference  to  the  pleasing  and  profitable  services  of  the 
chancel — at  the  font,  in  connection  with  baptism,  and  the 
catechetical  exercises  for  the  young,  preparatory  for  the 
renewal  of  their  vows  in  confirmation  ;  at  the  communion 
table,  and  in  all  the  intimate  and  solemn  converse  which 
precedes,  especially  the  first  approach — and  then,  in  the 
household  visits  to  the  sick,  and  the  afflicted,  and  the  dying 
—  even  more  salutary  to  the  pastor  than  to  those  to  whom 
he  ministers — all  these  blessed  associations  and  services 
by  which  he  becomes  identified  with  the  most  sacred  in- 
terests of  his  people,  "rejoicing  with  those  who  rejoice, 
and  weeping  with  those  who  weep" — he  must,  if  he  gives 


402  me]n:oir  of  bishop  meade. 

himself  wholly  to  the  Episcoj^ate,  for  the  future  forego, 
and  in  doing  so  he  sacrifices  sources  of  religious  and  social 
improvement  and  happiness,  not  easily  over-estimated,  and 
to  which,  if  he  does  not  sometimes  look  back  with  trouble- 
some desire,  he  must  be  better  or  worse  than  Bishops  in 
general. 

Twice  during  his  Episcopate,  occasions  arose  which  ren- 
dered it  expedient  for  the  Bishop  to  resume  the  parochial 
relation.  In  each  instance  the  arrangement  was  prompted 
solely  by  a  desire  to  unite  an  important  congregation,  the 
members  of  which  could  not  concur  in  the  choice  of  any 
one  else,  but  were  unanimous  in  soliciting  him  to  become 
their  Eector.  And  in  each  instance  he  continued  in  charge 
until  conflicting  preferences  were  yielded,  and  the  congre- 
gation united  in  inviting  a  minister  whom  he  commended 
to  their  consideration. 

Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  and  St.  Paul's  Church,  Peters- 
burg, were  those  favored  with  his  faithful  and  very  accept- 
able ministrations  for  a  season,  and  relinquished  only  when 
the  purpose  for  which  he  had  accepted  the  rectorship  was 
satisfactorily  accomplished. 

During  his  connection  with  Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  the 
congregation  was  remarkably  blessed — many  became 
deeply  interested  on  the  subject  of  religion,  and  large 
numbers  were  at  different  times  added  to  the  Church. 
The  tone  of  religious  feeling  was  decidedly  improved,  and 
the  standard  of  religious  character  elevated.  .The  churches 
in  Norfolk,  and  the  Diocese  at  large,  long  rejoiced  in  the 
happy  fruits  of  that  genuine  revival,  and  the  Christian  zeal 
and  activity  which  it  produced  are  still  benefitting  even 
some  of  the  distant  missions  of  our  communion. 

On  his  way  to  his  new  field  of  labor,  he  addressed  a  let- 
ter to  Mrs.  Meade,  whose  delicate  health,  and  the  inclem- 
ency of  the  season,  made  it  necessary  for  her  to  remain 
for  the  present  in  Clarke  County. 


f 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  403 

Steamboat  Relief,  Thursday, 14,  1835, 

Dear   Wife : 

We  left  Baltimore  this  morniug,  and  are  now  under  way  for  Annapolis, 
where  the  Columbus  is  ready  to  convey  us  to  Norfolk.  This  boat  is  called 
the  Ice-Breaker,  and  plies  between  Baltimore  and  Annapolis  during  such 
a  season  as  we  now  have.  We  hope  to  reach  Norfolk  some  time  to-mor- 
row. I  wrote  to  you  from  Washington,  and  this  will  go  back  in  the  boat 
to  Baltimore,  and  thence,  I  hope,  speedily  to  you.  We  are  all  well, 
and  have  met  with  no  accidents.  I  cannot  help  wishing  sometimes  that 
you  were  along,  since  we  get  on  so  safely  and  comfortably.  Last  evening 
we  spent  our  time  agreeably  in  a  private  parlor  at  Barnum's  great  hotel, 
having  Mr.  Henshaw  and  Johns  aod  Dale  with  us,  for  two  hours  after  tea. 
******  J  hope  my  dear  wife  prays  for  me  more  ardently  than 
ever,  now  that  I  am  about  to  engage  in  new  and  more  arduous  duties.  My 
mind  is  still  the  same  as  it  regards  the  propriety  of  the  step  I  am  taking, 
though  I  feel  very  deeply  the  pain  of  such  a  charge.  I  hope  I  am  enabled 
to  say  "the  will  of  God  be  done." 

Yours,  most  tenderly, 

W.  Meadb. 

In  his  annual  address  to  the  Convention  of  1835,  having 
reported  his  laborious  visitation  of  the  western  part  of  the 
Diocese,  and  some  of  the  parishes  in  the  vicinity  of  his 
residence,  he  introduces  a  notice  of  his  removal.  "  After 
this  I  remained  at  home  in  the  discharge  of  parochial 
duties  until  the  middle  of  January,  when,  in  obedience  to 
what  appeared  to  my  mind  a  call  from  Providence,  I  felt  it 
to  be  my  duty  to  accept  the  invitation  of  the  large  and  in- 
teresting congregation  of  Christ  Church,  Norfolk,  to  be- 
come its  pastor.  .In  so  doing  I  distinctly  stated  to  the 
same,  that  I  could  not  for  a  moment  think  of  neglecting 
any  previous  or  higher  obligation  to  the  Diocese,  and  that 
time  and  trial  only  could  decide  whether  it  be  practicable 
to  perform  my  duties  to  the  Diocese  and  to  that  congrega- 
tion, so  as  to  satisfy  the  reasonable  expectation  of  both. 
As  to  my  prospects  of  usefulness  in  this  new  charge,  I  must 
refer  you  to  my  parochial  report.  As  one  evidence,  how- 
ever, that  I  am  not  a  little  encouraged  to  believe  that  the 
gracious  smiles  of  our  Emmanuel  arc  vouchsafed  to  the 


04  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

people  of  this  charge,  let  me  mention  that  on  Easter  Sun- 
day twenty-four  persons  were  added  to  the  communion, 
and  on  the  second  Monday  in  this  month  ten  others  were 
confirmed,  with  a  view  to  the  communion,  when  it  shall 
next  be  administered.'^  (Journal  1836,  pp.  13-14.) 

The  same  Journal  contains  his  first  report  as  Eector  of 
Christ  Church,  Norfolk. 

"  The  Eector  entered  upon  his  charge  the  middle  of  Jan- 
uary last,  and  was  soon  encouraged  to  hope  that  an  un- 
usual seriousness  was  taking  possession  of  the  minds  of  a 
considerable  number  of  his  hearers.  This  was  greatly  in- 
creased, and  in  many  instances  brought  to  a  happy  conclu- 
sion, by  some  deeply  interesting  services,  which  were  per- 
formed during  five  or  six  successive  days,  in  the  latter  part 
of  March.  At  that  time  the  Be  v.  Mr.  Mann,  accompanied 
by  two  esteemed  brethren  from  Baltimore,  the  Beverend 
Messrs.  Henshaw  and  Johns,  paid  a  visit  to  Norfolk  with 
a  view  of  making  collections  for  our  Theological  Seminary 
at  Alexandria.  The  Bector  availed  himself  of  the  oppor- 
tunity to  have  frequent  religious  services,  with  a  view  to 
the  spiritual  interests  of  his  congregation.  In  this  he  was 
cordially  supported  by  the  Bev.  Mr.  Boy  den,  minister  of 
St.  Paul's  Church,  and  the  Bev.  Mr.  Wingfield,  of  Ports- 
mouth, whose  congregations  shared  in  the  services.'^ 

''  Bishop  Moore  also  came  down  from  Bichmond,  and  lent 
us  much  affectionate  aid.  Our  services  were  continued  for 
six  successive  days,  and  were  divided  among  the  three  con- 
gregations. At  an  early  hour  of  the  morning,  a  goodly 
number  met  together  with  the  ministers,  in  one  of  the 
churches,  and  by  suitable  services  were  prepared  for  the 
large  assemblies  at  the  hour  of  eleven  and  at  night.  At 
these  meetings,  besides  the  prayers  and  hymns,  several 
short  addresses  were  delivered,  well  calculated  to  make 
them  interesting  and  profitable.  The  sermons,  also,  in  the 
after  part  of  the  day,  were  usually  followed  by  short  and 
touching  exhortations.     An  interest  proportioned  to  the 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  405 

zeal  and  sound  judgment  which  was  put  forth  on  the  oc- 
casion, was  soon  awakened,  and  continued  to  increase  to 
the  conclusion  of  the  services.  All  who  were  present  at 
those  exercises  expressed  themselves  well  pleased,  and 
hoped  for  the  frequent  return  of  them.  The  fruits  thereof 
have  been  such  as  to  gratify  the  hearts  of  all  the  friends 
of  the  Church.  Concerning  thirty  persons  who  have  since 
made  a  public  profession  of  religion,  the  minister,  after 
much  intercourse  with  most  of  them,  entertains  the  pleas- 
ing hope  that  they  have  passed  from  death  unto  life.  They 
appear  determined  to  answer  the  description  of  God's  peo- 
ple ;  that  is,  to  be  "  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works." 
The  most  happy  effect  seems  also  to  have  been  produced 
upon  the  old  professors  of  religion.  They  have  been  stir- 
red up  to  more  zeal,  and  been  made  to  remember  the  time 
of  their  first  love,  and  to  do  their  first  works." 

"  One  evidence  of  an  awakened  interest  in  behalf  of  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  was  furnished  before  the  close  of  our 
services,  in  the  liberal  subscriptions  of  four  thousand  dollars 
to  our  Seminary.  The  Eector  has  seen  other  evidences,  in 
the  readiness  manifested  by  the  congregation  to  engage  in 
every  good  work  recommended  by  him.^' 

To  all  his  other  cares  there  was  now  added  the  painful 
solicitude  on  account  of  the  declining  health  of  Mrs.  Meade, 
by  which  he  had  been  delayed  in  his  attendance  at  the 
General  Convention,  and  prevented  from  making  certain 
visitations  which  he  had  purposed. 

In  the  Journal  of  1836,  after  detailing  the  official  services 
performed,  he  adds:  "These  labors  being  ended,  it  was 
now  time  for  me  to  return  to  the  duties  of  that  pastoral 
relation  which  I  had  iindertaken  toward  the  congregation 
in  Norfolk." 

"  On  the  first  Sunday  in  November  I  entered  anew  on 
the  discharge  of  parochial  duties  in  Christ  Church.  During 
the  winter  and  spring  he  was  able  to  officiate  several  times 


406  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

in  Portsmouth  and  at  "  Old  Point  Comfort/'  In  reference 
to  other  visits  which  he  should  have  made  to  "  the  neigh- 
boring congregations,"  he  "states,  "but  it  pleased  Provi- 
dence to  forbid  it  by  the  continued  and  increasing  indispo- 
sition of  my  wife,  whom  I  could  not  leave  for  the  last  few 
months,  without  a  sacrifice  of  feeling  ^hich,  I  am  sure,  my 
brethren  would  not  ask  at  my  hands.  My  time,  however, 
was  fully  occupied  by  the  claims  of  the  large  congregation 
which  has  been  cast  on  my  care,  and  also  by  some  servi- 
ces to  the  congregation  of  St.  Paul's  in  Norfolk,  whose 
hopes  and  zeal  I  have  endeavored  to  cherish,  until  they 
can  get  some  one  to  take  the  oversight  of  them." 

To  his  impending  domestic  affliction  he  now  alludes  with 
most  delicate  tenderness  and  submissive  faith.  "In  the 
midst  of  painful  uncertainty  as  to  the  issue  of  that  on 
which  so  much  of  my  earthly  happiness  depends,  I  have 
been  cheered  not  only  by  the  unsurpassed  kindness  of 
the  people  of  Norfolk,  but  by  the  hope  that  my  labors 
among  them  have  not  been  unblest.  Since  I  have  been 
there,  between  forty  and  fifty  have  been  united  to  the 
Church,  and,  I  trust,  to  the  Lord  ;  eighteen  were  confirmed 
on  Easter  Monday,  all  of  whom  then  partook,  and  some 
of  them  had  before  partaken  of,  the  Lord's  Supper.  I  hope 
ere  long  to  have  the  aid  of  a  brother,  who  will  shortly,  if 
the  Lord  permit,  be  clothed  after  the  forms  of  our  Church 
with  authority  to  minister  among  us. 

"And  now  my  brethren,  as  to  the  services  which  are  to 
be  expected  of  me  during  the  season  upon  which  we  have 
entered,  and  which  I  have  sacredly  consecrated  to  Episco- 
pal visitation,  I  am  unabl'e  to  say  more,  than  that  I  am  in 
the  hands  of  God,  to  do  with  as  He  pleases.  Perhaps,  if 
we  are  permitted  to  meet  together  again,  I  may  have  very 
little  to  tell  you  of  Episcopal  duties  performed  during  the 
present  summer.  There  are  claims  of  a  private  nature 
which  may  sometimes  be  permitted  to  take  the  place  of 
more  public  duties.     Such  claims  are  now  pressing  heavily 


MEMOIR   OF   BISUOP   MEADE.  ,407 

upon  me,  and  I  beg  an  interest  in  the  prayers  of  all  the 
brethren  and  friends  here  assembled,  that  I  may  be  ena- 
bled, now  and  always,  to  do  and  suffer  the  will  of  God,  in 
the  spirit  of  our  once  suffering  and  now  exalted  Saviour." 

His  parochial  report  of  the  same  year,  records  the  happy 
effects  of  the  recent  revival.  "During  the  past  year  a 
regular  Missionary  Society  has  been  established,  whose 
contributions  are  made  four  times  a  year.  It  is  composed 
according  to  the  recommendation  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion, of  all  the  baptized  members  of  the  Church,  whether 
children  (Jr  adults.  There  are  between  two  and  three  hun- 
dred subscribers  on  this  plan,  and  more  than  three  hun- 
dred dollars  have  been  the  fruit  of  this  happy  arrange- 
ment. Nearly  three  hundred  dollars  have  been  collected 
by  the  agent  of  the  Episcopal  Sunday  School  Union,  for 
the  benefit  of  that  institution.  The  Education  Society  and 
Theological  Seminary  still  share  the  generosity  of  the 
members  of  the  congregation.  More  than  two  hundred 
dollars  are  annually  given  to  the  former  —  and  those  who 
united  in  the  subscription  of  nearly  four  thousand  dollars 
last  year  to  the  Seminary,  payable  in  annual  instalments, 
have  not,  I  am  sure,  repented  of  their  engagement,  but 
will,  from  year  to  year,  cheerfully  discharge  their  obliga- 
tions." 

"  During  the  last  spring  a  pious  member  of  our  commu- 
nion, Miss  Susan  Boudoin,  who  departed  this  life  in  the 
triumphs  of  faith,  bequeathed  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
dollars  to  the  Education  Society,  and  the  same  sum  to  the 
Bible  Society  of  Virginia,  both  of  which  bequests  have 
been  faithfully  and  cheerfully  paid  by  the  executor  and 
heir,  to  the  proper  authorities.  During  the  present  spring, 
a  generous  donation  of  a  lot  suitable  for  a  lecture  and  Sun- 
day School  room  has  been  made  to  the  Church,  by  a  female 
member  of  the  same.  The  value  is  estimated  at  three 
thousand  dollars.  The  sum  of  six  hundred  dollars  has 
already  been  raised  for  the  purpose  of  its  enlargement. 


408  '  ^  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

The  Eector  of  this  congregation  has  reason  to  hope  that 
a  better  evidence  than  any  above  mention^ed  of  the  preva- 
lence of  a  good  spirit  of  piety  in  the  members  of  the  Church 
is  to  be  found  in  their  punctual  attendance,  their  correct 
conduct,  their  love  and  harmony,  their  disposition  to  every 
good  work,  especially  their  zeal  in  behalf  of  the  poor,  and 
the  children  of  the  poor.  For  all  this  he  desires  to  praise 
Grod,  and  give  all  the  glory  to  Him."  (Journal  1836,  pp. 
27-8.) 

In  about  two  months  after  the  Convention  of  1836,  the 
prayers  which  he  earnestly  solicited  in  the  close  of  the 
Address  of  that  year,  were  especially  needed.  Mrs.  Meade 
died  on  the  26th  of  July,  at  Edgewood,  Hanover  county, 
and  the  heart  of  her  devoted  husband,  so  full  of  sympathy 
in  all  the  afflictions  of  his  brethren,  was  again  pierced  by 
its  own  sorrows.  To  this  he  appropriately  refers  in  the 
commencement  of  his  Convention  Address  of  the  ensuing 
year.  "  In  presenting  you  with  a  statement  of  such  labors 
in  the  Lord's  vineyard  as  I  have  been  permitted  and  ena- 
bled to  perform  during  the  past  year,  I  may  be  allowed, 
without  improperly  intruding  domestic  afflictions  on  your 
notice,  to  allude  to  an  event  which  has  deprived  me  of  my 
best  earthly  friend,  and  the  Church  of  one  who  was  alive 
to  everything  which  affected  her  welfare.  But  few  among 
you  are  able  to  estimate  the  loss  which  I  have  sustained. 
But  if  through  God's  abounding  grace  the  bereavement 
shall  minister  to  my  spiritual  imj)rovement,  and  to  the  in- 
crease of  my  labors  for  the  advancement  of  His  kingdom, 
I  shall  then  be  enabled  the  mOre  truly  to  say,  "  God's  will 
and  not  mine  be  done."  That  such  may  be  the  happy 
result  of  my  affliction,  let  me  ask  an  interest  in  all  your 
prayers."     (Journal  1837,  pp.  6-7.) 

The  same  Journal  contains  a  record  of  the  satisfactory 
issue  of  his  temporary  connection  with  Christ  Church, 
Norfolk, — of  the  effect  upon  his  own  mind  of  the  experiment 
he  there  made,  and  of  purposed  policy  for  the  future.    "  On 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  409 

my  arrival  in  [N'orfolk,  I  soon  became  happily  confirmed  in 
the  hope  and  belief  which  I  had  cherished  for  some  time, 
that  in  the  Eev.  Mr.  Parks,  who  had  for  some  time  been 
acting  as  my  assistant,  I  had  found  a  brother  into  whose 
hands  I  could  safely  confide  the  charge  of  a  congregation 
which  had  been  greatly  endeared  to  my  heart  during  a 
pastoral  connection  of  the  last  two  years.  I  had  been  be- 
coming more  and  more  convinced  each  year,  that  it  was 
impossible  for  me,  with  comfort  to  my  own  mind,  or  satis- 
faction to  others,  to  discharge  those  Episcopal  duties 
which  Bishop  Moore  and  the  Diocese  wished  at  my  hands, 
in  connection  with  any  pastoral  charge,  especially  with 
one  so  large  and  responsible,  as  that  of  Christ  Church, 
Norfolk.  I  therefore  determined  to  avail  myself  of  the 
present  favorable  opportunity  and  resign  my  rectorship, 
and  henceforth  give  myself  entirely  to  the  Diocese  at  large. 
My  resignation  was  immediately  followed  by  the  unani- 
mous election  of  Mr.  Parks,  and  subsequently  by  the  choice 
of  Mr.  Atkinson  as  his  assistant."  *****  <c  j^ 
becomes  me  in  drawing  this  communication  to  a  close,  to 
make  some  allusion  to  my  future  plans  for  the  more  effec- 
tual discharge  of  the  duty  of  Assistant  Bishop. 

"On  communicating  to  Bishop  Moore  my  intention  to  de- 
cline any  parochial  charge  in  future,  and  requesting  his 
advice  as  to  the  best  disposal  of  my  time,  he  expressed  a 
wish  that  I  would  hereafter  consider  the  whole  Diocese  as 
the  field  of  my  labors,  leaving  it  to  himself,  of  course,  to 
re-visit,  as  he  might  think  proper,  any  of  those  parts  most 
convenient  to  him. 

"On  examining  this  extensive  field  by  such  lights  as  my 
previous  experience  afforded,  I  found  that  to  visit  each 
congregation  in  the  Diocese  and  perform  the  Episcopal 
duties  required,  will  occupy  about  twelve  months  of  unin- 
terrupted traveling  and  preaching.  Of  course,  to  visit  one 
half  of  the  Diocese  each  year  will  occupy  six  months,  be- 
sides those  occasional  visits  which  particular  cases  may 
18 


410  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

call  for,  and  whicli  may  require  two  months  more,  leaving 
only  four  months  for  those  private  studies  which  are  in- 
dispensable to  prepare  the  mind  for  the  right  discharge  of 
the  very  high  and  responsible  duties  of  the  Episcopate. 

"It  is  my  purpose,  by  God's  blessing,  to  adopt  this  course 
for  the  future,  and  the  congregations  may  henceforward 
expect  an  Episcopal  visit  every  other  year,  while  God  shall 
give  me  ability  to  perform  the  service." 

During  the  Bishop's  sojourn  in  [N'orfolk  the  pressure 
upon  mind  and  body  must  have  been  prodigious.  But 
neither  the  magnitude  nor  the  multiplicity  of  official  ser- 
vices made  him  unmindful  of  the  unobtrusive  charities  of 
private  life,  and  the  quiet  offices  of  domestic  and  Christian 
relationship.  It  is  most  interesting  to  observe,  that  when 
the  cares  of  the  churches  of  the  Diocese,  and  especially  of 
one  of  the  largest  congregations,  were  claiming  his  atten- 
tion, he  had  the  heart,  and  made  the  time,  to  consider  and 
discharge  his  duty  as  god-father,  to  children  from  whom 
he  was  separated  by  several  hundred  miles.  The  following 
letter,  which  may  incite  others  to  the  performance  of  a 
much  neglected  duty,  was  addressed  to  children  living  in 
Frederick  County : 

Norfolk,  February  4,  1835. 
To  my  dear  god-children,  Archy  and  Roberta  Page  : 

Although  I  am  now  a  great  way  off,  yet  I  do  not  forget  those  I  have  left 
behind  me  in  Frederick,  not  even  the  little  children,  particularly  my  god- 
children— whom  I  am  bound  to  think  of  more  than  others.  I  send  each  of 
you  a  little  book,  which,  though  I  have  not  read  it  myself,  I  am  sure  must 
be  good.  If  God  should  spare  my  life,  and  permit  me  to  see  you  again 
next  Summer,  I  hope  to  hear  you  read  in  them.  Now,  my  dear  children,  is 
the  very  time  for  you  to  learn  everything  that  is  good. 

"'Tis  easier  far  if  we  begin 
To  serve  the  Lord  betimes, 
For  sinners  who  grow  old  in  sin, 
Are  hardened  in  their  crimes." 

By  trying  to  be  good  and  praying  to  God  every  day  to  assist  you,  you 
will  make  your  parents  happy,  and  God  Himself  will  love  you,  and  take 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE,  411 

care  of  jou,  God  has  given  you  parents  who  care  for  your  souls,  and  wish 
you  to  be  happy  forever  in  Heaven.  Many  poor  children  have  no  such 
parents  to  watch  over  them  and  keep  them  from  sin.  I  hope  that  you  will 
both  be  great  comforts  to  your  parents,  by  becoming  better  and  better 
every  year  that  you  live.  You  must  remember  me  and  your  cousin 
Thomasia  very  affectionately  to  your  papa  and  mamma,  and  kiss  my  lit- 
tle namesake  for  me.  Tell  your  papa  I  got  my  box  safe  and  sound,  and 
am  much  obliged  to  him  for  all  the  care  and  trouble  he  took  about  it.  And 
now,  as  I  have  a  great  deal  to  do  in  this  large  congregation,  I  must  finish 
my  letter.  And  may  God,  our  good  Father  in  Heaven,  be  very  gracious 
to  you,  my  dear  children,  prays 

Your  affectionate  god-father, 

William  Meade. 

The  same  affectionate  consideration  for  the  young,  with 
faithful  vigilance  in  warning  them  of  the  perils  to  which 
they  may  be  exposed,  appears  in  a  letter  addressed  to  one 
who  had  just  matriculated  in  the  University  of  Virginia. 
It  well  deserves  the  serious  attention  of  the  college 
student.  Though  of  later  date  than  the  letter  to  his  god- 
children, it  is  in  the  same  excellent  spirit  and  finds  its  ap- 
propriate place  in  this  connection. 

Millwood. 
Dear  T. : 

By  a  letter  from  your  mother  I  learn  that  you  are  a  student  in  the  Uni- 
versity. I  trust  that  you  will  prove  yourself  in  all  respects  worthy  of  the 
benefit  afforded.  I  never  think  of  a  young  person  in  whom  I  am 
interested  making  his  first  entrance  upon  college  life,  without  remem- 
bering my  own  feelings  at  such  a  time,  and  the  peculiar  dangers  to 
which  I  was  exposed,  which,  however,  I  was  enabled  to  escape  by 
reason  of  the  blessing  of  God  on  a  good  education.  As  each  of  my  sons 
went  to  college,  I  addressed  them  from  my  own  experience,  warning  them 
against  the  evils  of  a  college  life,  and  seeking  to  improve  the  advantages 
thereof.  A  college  life  is  either  the  making,  or  the  ruining  of  youth ; 
much  oftener  the  latter,  than  the  former.  If  he  is  idle,  if  his  companions 
are  irreligious  and  dissipated,  he  had  far  better  be  at  the  plough  or  the 
anvil.  Instead  of  fitting  himself  for  some  useful  and  honorable  profession, 
he  is  unfitting  himself  for  any  respectable  position  in  society  ou  earth,  and 
preparing  himself,  soul  and  body,  to  be  banished  with  dishonor  from  the 
presence  of  God  and  His  angels  hereafter. 

Very  much  of  the  final  and  permanent  result  of  a  college  life  depends  on 
the  first  few  weeks  or  months  of  the  same.     If  we  idle  at  the  start,  we  shall 


412  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

scarce  ever  begin  to  be  diligent.  On  the  same  principle  Similis-simili 
gaudet,  the  idle  will  gather  around  us,  and  idlers  are  never  as  corrupting 
as  at  colleges.  Elsewhere,  they  may  be  comparatively  harmless,  but  in  col- 
lege they  must  be  wicked  and  mischievous,  and  more  or  less  successful  in 
corrupting  others.  Youth  is  too  full  of  life,  and  energy,  not  to  be  doing 
something  either  good  or  ill.  Hence,  those  who  will  not  study  books,  are 
apt  to  study  cards,  and  be  given  to  wine  or  strong  drink.  I  hope  I  need 
not  warn  you  against  ever  looking  at  cards,  or  tasting  anything  intoxica- 
ting. ''Touch  not,  taste  not,  handle  not,"  is,  I  hope,  your  motto  as  to  all 
sujh  things. 

But  you  are  not  safe  by  only  avoiding  such  things ;  you  must  be  active 
in  pursuing  the  contrary.  Some  young  men  are  beset  with  the  weakness 
of  wishing  to  magnify  their  talents,  by  studying  as  little  as  possible,  or 
seeming  so  to  do.  Such  never  rise  to  any  distinction  in  life.  God  blesses 
the  diligent  in  all  the  departments  of  life,  and  never  the  idle.  It  is  by  the 
sweat  of  our  brow  that  God  makes  us  to  earn  our  bread.  It  must  be  with 
us  as  with  the  painter,  Nulla  dies  sine  linece,  as  with  him  who  runs  in  the 
race,  nee  mora,  nee  requies.  Sie  itur  ad  astra.  I  could  fill  many  sheets  with 
the  testimonies  of  the  wise  and  experienced  on  this  subject.  I  hope  you 
will  ever  act  on  this  principle.  During  your  scholastic  year,  when  a  kind 
of  necessity  was  laid  upon  you  to  study,  you  have  conducted  yourself  with 
credit,  and  I  hope  will  continue  so  to  do,  when  the  necessity  is  removed, 
and  you  are  at  more  liberty.  Many  who  have  done  well  at  school  under 
much  restraint,  have  dishonored  themselves  at  college,  by  neglecting  their 
studies,  and  abusing  the  advantages  bestowed  on  them  by  parents  and 
friends,  or  some  public  institution. 

I  hope,  dear  T,,  that  you  will  never  by  such  neglect,  or  by  any  mis- 
conduct, reflect  discredit  on  your  father's  memory,  or  give  pain  to  your 
mother's  heart.  Above  all,  as  you  would  secure  the  favor  of  that  God 
whose  favor  is  life  itself,  I  hope  you  will  be  faithful  to  your  Bible,  to  private 
prayer,  to  public  worship,  and  to  any  duty  which  religion  requires  of  us. 

I  hope  you  often  see  my  son  Richard,  as  your  pastor  and  as  your  father's 
friend,  who  will,  I  am  sure,  take  pleasure  in  rendering  you  any  service  in 
his  power. 

Very  affectionately. 

Your  own  and  your  father's  and  mother's  friend, 

William  Meade. 

DOMESTIC   AFFLICTIONS. 

It  might  safely  be  presumed,  that  one  so  eminent  for 
personal  piety,  and  distinguished  for  ministerial  ability,  was 
not  a  stranger  to  the  divinely-instituted  school  where  such 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  413 

attainments  are  made,  or  to  the  sharp  but  salutary  disci- 
pline, by  which  they  are  nurtured.  Shortly  after  one  of 
his  severest  afflictions,  he  transcribed  into  a  small  blank- 
book  which  he  had  purchased  for  the  loved  one  whose  re- 
moval he  mourned,  but  which  her  rapid  decline  had  pre- 
vented her  from  using,  those  comforting  lines  from  Cowper : 

"The  path  of  sorrow  —  and  that  path  alone  — 
Leads  to  the  Land  where  sorrow  is  unknown." 

"With  that  path  he  became  painfully  familiar.     He  had  en- 
tered upon  it  early  in  life,  and  had  been  conversant  with 
many  of  its  trials.   He  had  buried  father,  mother,  brothers, 
sisters,  and,  though  he  was  never  bereaved  of  a  child  (his 
three  sons  survived  him)  yet  he  heavily  mourned  the  loss  of 
their  beloved  mother ;  and  then,  after  the  lapse  of  nineteen 
years  of  diversified  experience,  his  heart  was  again  lacer- 
ated by  the  death  of  that  excellent  lady,  who  had  become 
a  mother  indeed  to  his  boys,  and  to  himself  a  devoted  wife. 
The  sacredness  of  this  sorrow,  and  the  delicacy  of  the  re- 
lation with  which  it  is  connected,  would  retire  them  from 
general  observation,  and  impose  a  limit  to  biographical 
notice.    But  in  this  instance,  the  afflicted  has  himself,  from 
high  considerations  of  usefulness  to  others,  as  well  as  to 
his  own  family,  recorded  his  "  Eecollections  of  two  Be- 
loved Wives,"  and,  in  doing  so,  has  unavoidably  disclosed 
his  own  heart  and  bearing  as  a  husband,  and  his  experience 
under  the  pressure  of  his  affliction.     A  notice  of  this  pecu- 
liar narrative  cannot,  with  propriety,  be  omitted  in  this 
Memoir  of  its  author.     Though  printed,  it  was  not  for 
publication,  but  simply  with  a  view  to  its  being  more  con- 
veniently distributed  among  relations,  and  those  friends  to 
whom  it  might  prove  profitable.     The  circulation  was  in- 
tentionally limited.     The  preface  discloses  the  purpose  of 
the  writer  in  recording  the  recollections,  and  the  consider- 
ations which,  contrary  to  his  original  design,  led  him  first 
to  introduce  into  his  will  a  permission  to  print  what  he 


414  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

had  penned,  and,  subsequently,  to  have  it  printed  during 
his  own  life.  The  preface  is  itself  so  characteristic,  and  of 
SO  much  interest,  that  no  apology  for  its  insertion  here 
will  be  required. 

"When  the  following  'Eecollections'  were  committed  to 
paper — some  of  them  more  than  thirty-seven  years  ago, 
the  others  more  than  twenty-one — the  thought  of  their 
being  seen  by  any  eyes  than  those  which  followed  the  pen 
that  traced  them,  and  those  of  a  few  near  relatives,  never 
entered  the  mind  of  their  author.  During  all  the  inter- 
vening years  they  have  lain  in  my  drawer  unaltered,  and 
just  as  they  now  appear,  both  as  to  language  and  sentiment, 
except  that  in  transcribing,  some  passages  have  been  omit- 
ted of  too  personal,  too  private  and  delicate  a  nature  to  be 
exposed  to  public  view.  Perhaps  some  may  think  that 
more  of  that  character  ought  to  have  been  erased ;  and  I 
will  not  complain,  if  blamed  for  such  an  error.  It  has 
been  some  years  since  the  thought  arose  in  my  mind,  that 
not  only  my  children,  and  children's  children,  but  some 
others,  might  be  gratified  and  benefitted  by  their  publica- 
tion, when  I  shall  be  quiet  in  the  grave,  and  beyond  the 
reach  of  criticism  and  censure.  It  was  in  an  hour  of  sick- 
ness, and  when  life  seemed  most  uncertain  of  continuance, 
that  I  introduced  a  clause  into  my  will,  leaving  it  optional 
with  my  children  to  publish  them  when  I  should  be  no 
more. 

"  But  Grod  has  continued  my  life  far  beyond  former  ex- 
pectation, and  I  hope  has  also  made  me  somewhat  less 
sensitive  as  to  either  the  praises  or  censures  of  men,  and 
more  desirous  of  doing  some  good  in  such  ways  as  are  still 
open  to  me,  since  others  have  been  closed.  I  am  more  and 
more  satisfied  of  the  obligations  resting  upon  Christians  to 
do  good  by  the  use  of  their  property  and  every  other  tal- 
ent, during  life,  instead  of  postponing  it  until  after  death, 
and  leaving  the  uncertain  execution  of  it  to  others.  Some, 
who  might  be  benefitted  by  the  examples  set  forth  in  the 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  415 

following  pages,  may  be  beyond  their  reach  by  the  time  of 
my  death.  I  therefore,  in  humble  dependence  upon  God, 
determine  to  do  at  once  what  I  find  upon  my  hands  ready 
to  be  done.  I  here  present  to  the  mothers  and  daughters 
of  Virginia,  two  specimens  of  Christian  character  well 
known  to  some  who  are  yet  alive.  I  am  especially  moved 
to  do  it  at  this  time  from  the  apprehension  that  in  too 
many  instances  it  is  much  needed — that  with  the  great 
increase  of  the  female  professors  of  religion,  there  has  not 
been  an  increase  of  true  piety ;  that  on  the  contrary,  there 
has  been  a  manifest  falling  off  from  the  pattern  set  by  a 
number  of  those  who,  in  the  time  of  the  first  love  of  our 
reviving  Church,  were  bright  examples  of  a  strict,  zealous, 
and  self-denying  religion.  I  know  that  there  are  still  many, 
among  the  young  and  the  old,  who  are  found  faithful ;  but 
are  there  not  many,  also,  who  cause  grief  by  their  mani- 
fest disposition  to  be  as  much  conformed  to  the  world  as 
may  be  tolerated  in  connection  with  the  profession  of  re- 
ligion ?  It  is  matter  of  lamentation  that  the  love  of  dress, 
of  fashionable  parties,  of  light  reading,  and  idle  conversa- 
tion, has  increased  among  those  who  have  professed  to  re- 
nounce all  the  pomp^  and  vanities  of  this  wicked  world ; 
and  that  there  are  so  few  who  dare  to  be  singular  in  rela- 
tion to  such  things,  and  to  be  examples  of  a  consistent  and 
devoted  piety.  Female  education  is  now  cultivated,  in  all 
its  branches  at  an  expense  unknown  in  former  times ;  and 
yet,  how  few  are  the  mothers  who  give  to  their  children 
the  benefit  of  what  they  have  acquired  at  such  great  cost ! 
I  fear,  also,  that  domestic  economy  and  industry  are  not 
on  the  increase,  though  I  acknowledge  with  pleasure,  that 
after  marriage,  and  becoming  mothers  and  mistresses,  many 
of  the  young  and  pleasure-loving  exhibit  a  marked  im- 
provement. 

"  In  this  connection,  let  me  acknowledge  that,  in  the 
printing  of  these  pages  for  private  circulation,  I  have  had 
my  brethren  of  the  clergy  partly  in  view.     I  would  point 


416  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

them  to  the  deep  experience  of  sin,  and  active  practical 
piety  as  evinced  in  both  of  those  whose  characters  have 
been  sketched.  I  would  ask  whether  we  dwell  sufiiciently, 
in  our  public  preaching  and  private  intercourse,  on  the 
necessity  of  a  deep  sense  of  sin ;  whether  we  do  not  some- 
times speak  peace  and  encourage  hope  too  soon,  and  thus 
draw  the  only  half-convicted  sinner  into  an  open  profession 
of  religion  too  soon  to  show  how  superficial  the  work  has 
been  ?  Let  me  say  to  my  brethren,  on  the  authority  of 
not  only  these  two  cases,  but  of  many  others,  during  a 
ministry  of  more  than  forty-six  years,  that  our  surest  con- 
fidence of  perseverance  and  consistency  must  rest  on  a 
deep,  heart-felt  conviction  of  sin,  which  may  sometimes 
continue  for  a  considerable  time  and  be  a  heavy  burden, 
before  the  Saviour  is  joy  and  peace  to  the  soul  j  and  yet  I 
do  not  hold  that  the  experience  of  all  on  this  subject  must 
be  the  same  as  to  intensity  and  duration ;  nor  do  I  con- 
found these  convictions  of  sin  with  those  nervous  affections 
with  which  some  are  afiicted,  in  connection  with  their  re- 
ligious exercises. 

"  If  the  following  '  Eecollections'  of  two  beloved  friends, 
whom  I  hope  to  meet  in  Heaven,  shall  rightly  affect  any 
of  those  to  whom  they  are  presented,  I  am  willing  for  the 
sake  of  that  good,  to  seem,  in  the  eyes  of  some,  to  have 
improperly  obtruded  myself,  my  private  joys  and  sorrows, 

upon  the  notice  of  the  reader. 

"W.  M." 

The  early  marriage  of  "William  Meade  to  Mary,  daugh- 
ter of  Philip  ]^elson  and  Sarah  his  wife,  has  been  already 
noted.  It  was  a  marriage  which  gave  great  satisfaction 
to  all  their  friends,  and,  though  both  were  younger  than 
is  usual  in  parties  to  so  solemn  a  contract,  yet  their  then 
bright  hopes  were  not  disappointed.  "  Few  persons,"  he 
states  in  his  "Recollections,"  "eujoyed  more  of  this  world's 
happiness  than  we  did.     It  was  indeed  too  much  for  us  ; 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  417 

at  least  it  was  for  me.     I  thought  so  then  and  have  known 
so  since." 

Of  Mrs.  Meade's  personal  appearance  he  sa^^s,  "She  was 
not  beautiful  in  the  worldly  acceptation  of  that  term,  but 
then  she  had  a  sweet  and  sensible  and  modest  and  loving 
countenance."  Her  intellectual  character  and  acquirements 
were  superior.  "Her  husband  was  never  ashamed  of  her 
in  any  place  or  company,  or  to  hear  her  speak  on  any 
subject  lest  she  should  betray  ignorance  or  folly,  as  too 
many  do." 

"  She  had,  while  young,  been  very  attentive  to  the  im- 
provement of  her  mind,  under  the  direction  of  her  parents 
and  uncle ;  nor  did  she,  after  marriage,  cease  to  add  some- 
thing to  her  stock  of  knowledge.  Her  historical  and  geo- 
graphical information  was  very  considerable.  Her  taste 
for  the  classics  and  poets  was  just  and  exquisite.  Ah  !  how 
many  happy  moments  have  we  spent  together  in  reading 
and  admiring  good  poetry,  true  eloquence,  and  fine  com- 
position, when  these  were  exercised  upon  worthy  themes. 
She  was  well  acquainted  with  the  French  language,  and  at 
the  time  of  our  marriage  (herself  at  the  age  of  eighteen) 
she  had  advanced  as  far  in  Latin  as  most  scholars  do  in 
the  academies,  being  better  acquainted  with  it,  indeed, 
than  the  generality  of  those  who  are  said  to  have  learned 
it.  An  amiable  motive  first  induced  her  to  undertake  the 
study  of  that  language.  Her  father,  being  then  in  straight- 
ened circumstances,  was  unable  to  send  her  brother  to 
school,  and  being  much  engaged  on  the  farm,  could  not 
himself  do  justice  to  him  at  home,  and  Mary  determined, 
by  such  assistance  as  her  father  and  uncle  could  lend,  to 
try  and  learn  each  lesson  before  him,  so  as  to  be  able  to 
instruct  him  in  what  she  had  first  learned.  Her  genius 
and  industry  soon  enabled  her  to  progress  rapidl}"  in  the 
study,  and  when  we  were  married,  she  had  begun  Yirgil, 
which  we  afterwards  completed  together,  and  read  parts 
of  Grotius,  Horace  and  Buchanon.  Such  a  knowledge  of 
18* 


418  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

languages,  and  of  almost  all  the  branches  of  polite  litera- 
ture, was  a  great  temptation  to  her.  The  wicked  one 
sought  to  insinuate  vanity  into  her  mind,  and  sorely  trou- 
bled her.  She  complained  against  herself  before  God,  and 
her  friends  on  earth,  that  she  had  been  seeking  that  know- 
ledge, not  for  the  good  of  her  soul,  or  the  glory  of  her  God, 
but  from  earthly-mindedness.  She  was  deeply  humbled 
under  a  sense  of  this,  when  she  became  enlightened  by  the 
Spirit  of  God  to  see  the  deceitfulness  and  wickedness  of 
her  heart.  All  this  she  learned  to  consider  as  loss,  com- 
pared with  the  excellencies  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
Jesus."     *        *        *        * 

"And  yet,  my  children,  suppose  not  that  your  mother 
was  vain,  or  pedantic,  in  her  manners  or  conversation. 
None,  I  will  venture  to  affirm,  ever  heard  her  quote  a 
Latin  sentence  (though  she  could  have  done  it  so  often  and 
so  well)  except  her  husband.  To  but  a  few  was  it  for  a 
lono:  time  known  that  she  had  learned  it.  It  was  accident 
that  discovered  it  to  your  father,  a  considerable  time  after 
his  engagement  to  her." 

"  Nor  let  it  be  supposed  that  she  was  wholly  taken  up 
with  literature.  She  was,  from  a  child,  trained  up  in  the 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures.  I  never  yet  met  with  one  so 
well  versed  in  the  Psalms  and  New  Testament  as  she  was. 
What  a  help  was  she  to  her  husband  in  the  composition  of 
his  sermons!  I  was  scarcely  ever  at  a  loss  for  the  chapter 
of  any  verse,  but  she  could  supply  me  with  it  immediately. 
The  Psalms  she  could  repeat  throughout,  for  she  had  -read 
them  daily,  almost  from  childhood.  She  was  also  the  most 
humble  and  affectionate  child  and  sister  in  the  world.  I 
remember,  even  after  we  were  married,  to  have  seen  her 
take  her  station,  as  she  was  wont  to  do,  at  the  head  of  her 
brothers  and  sisters,  to  repeat  the  catechism  on  the  Sab- 
bath morning  to  her  father.  Thus  early,  and  thus  con- 
stantly, was  she  instructed  in  the  blessed  truths  of  our  holy 
religion." 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  419 

Her  exemj^laiy  devotion  to  her  children,  and  her  judi- 
cious and  gentle  manners  with  their  servants  are  interest- 
ingly described. 

Her  experience  as  a  Christian,  as  a  member  of  the 
Church  of  God,  to  which  the  Bishop  designed  to  give  prom- 
inence in  the  narrative,  is  thus  related : 

"  Shall  I  speak  of  her  as  a  Christian,  as  a  member  of  the 
Church  of  God  ?  I  have  said  she  was  trained  in  the  know- 
ledge of  God  by  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures,  and  in  the 
worship  of  God,  by  the  use  of  prayers.  From  my  first  ac- 
quaintance with  her,  or  rather  from  the  time  of  our  mar- 
riage, I  knew  she  was  regular  and  conscientious  in  the 
observance  of  these  means.  Yet  had  I  often  to  lament 
that  she  did  not  have  views  sufficiently  deep,  and  feelings 
sufficiently  strong  in  regard  to  the  jDCCuliar  doctrines  of 
the  Gospel.  I  feared  she  had  not  known  the  desperate 
wickedness  of  the  human  heart,  and  the  necessity  of  a 
greater  change  than  she  had  experienced,  to  prepare  her 
for  heaven.  Each  year,  however,  and  each  good  book 
which  we  read  together,  and  each  successive  bereavement 
which  afflicted  herself  and  family,  seemed  to  deepen  her 
impressions,  and  to  increase  her  endeavors  after  holiness. 
In  her  vigorous  effort  after  the  one  thing  needful,  it  pleased 
the  Almighty  to  let  darkness  and  wretchedness,  and  al- 
most despair  for  a  time  rest  on  her  soul.  She  underwent 
one  of  those  dark  dispensations,  one  of  those  severe  tribu- 
lations, which  God,  in  His  wisdom,  no  doubt,  sometimes 
sends  to  prepare  and  purify  the  sinful  soul  for  heaven. 
She  prayed  always,  and  yet  said  she  had  no  pleasure  in 
prayer.  She  read,  but  found  no  comfort  in  the  Word.  Her 
soul  was  preyed  upon  by  wicked  thoughts.  She  would 
not  as  formerly,  approach  the  sacramental  table.  She  took 
no  pleasure  in  the  society  of  her  husband,  children,  or 
friends.  She  ate  and  drank  but  little,  and  wasted  away 
very  much.  On  one  thing  only  was  she  intent.  Her  hus- 
band reasoned  with  her  out  of  the  Scriptures,  and  from 


420  MEMOIR  OP  BISHOP   MEADE, 

the  experiences  of  those  who  had  gone  through  similar  ex- 
ercises ;  her  friends  agreed  to  unite  in  prayer  for  her,  but 
all  seemed  unavailing.  My  faith  sometimes  almost  failed 
jRQ.  I  feared,  impiously  feared,  that  the  bruised  reed  would 
be  broken,  and  the  smoking  flax  be  quenched.  I  watched 
over  her  with  a  fearful  soul.  I  listened  to  her  prayers  and 
complainings  when  she  knew  not  I  was  at  hand.  I  have 
even  taken  her  in  my  arms  at  the  midnight  hour,  when 
she  was  prostrate  on  her  knees,  and  borne  her  to  her  need- 
ful rest.  J^othing  but  miracle  could  have  supported  her 
feeble  frame  under  such  exercises,  for  she  never  complained, 
and  indeed  was  never  sick.  At  length,  that  God  who 
by  degrees  brought  her  to  rej)entance,  in  like  manner 
gradually  soothed  and  comforted  her  soul.  She  returned 
to  her  duties  as  mother,  mistress  and  wife,  which  had  been 
in  a  measure  neglected,  and,  to  the  last  moment  of  her  life 
was  the  humble,  faithful,  self-denying  disciple  of  the  cruci- 
fied Jesus.  She  never  had  that  perfect  assurance,  that 
rapturous  foretaste  of  Heaven,  which  are  granted  to  some, 
but  she  had  a  good  hope,  and  a  faith  which  overcame  the 
world,  and  worked  by  love.  The  world  was  crucified  to 
her,  and  she  to  the  world.  Its  pomps  and  vanities  had  no 
charms  for  her.  Higher  objects  were  in  her  view.  Duty 
was  her  happiness.  She  was  humbled  to  the  dust.  She 
became  more  and  more  dear  to  him  who  witnessed  all  her 
sorrows,  and  who  has  thus  recorded  them." 

Of  their  domestic  recreation,  a  j)leasing  glimpse  is  given 
in  the  following  passage : 

"  How  often  when  the  weather  allowed,  would  we,  with 
our  two  eldest  boys  playing  round  us,  walk  over  our  little 
farm,  rejoicing  in  its  richness  and  abundance,  and  admiring 
the  woods  and  mountains  which  surrounded  us !  How  often 
in  our  rambles  would  we  pause  to  admire  that  piece  of 
woodland  in  particular  which  adjoins  the  house,  or  our 
small  fields,  richly  covered  and  beautifully  blooming  with 
clover !     Her  mind  was  formed  for  the  most  exquisite  en- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  421 

joyment  of  the  beauties  of  nature,  and  I  had  just  divided 
to  her  for  flower  beds  a  part  of  our  garden,  and  we  were 
tilling  and  planting  and  sowing  it,  when  a  messenger  came 
to  call  her  to  the  cultivation  of  a  garden  of  perennial  plants, 
and  never  fading  flowers  in  Heaven." 

After  the  account  of  Mrs.  Meade's  distress  in  connection 
with  her  religious  experience,  the  Bishop  states  that  he 
"  did  not  see  or  know  to  what  this  violent  and  refining  fire 
was  made  to  possess  her  soul.  It  was  not  for  him  to  know 
that  it  was  sent  to  prepare  her  for  an  early  death."  Yet 
he  remarks  that,  "  I  was  often  overwhelmed  at  the  thought 
of  the  value  of  this  beloved  object — a  thousand  times  have 
I  said,  '  what  if  Heaven  should  take  her  from  me  ?'  The 
thought  was  anguish  at  first,  but  it  became  habitual,  for  it 
often  entered  into  my  mind,  being  sent  there  by  Heaven 
to  prepare  me  for  the  event."  In  commencing  the  record 
of  her  decline  and  death,  he  writes :  "  Thou  hast  fulfilled 
all  Thy  warning,  God  of  truth.  Fulfil  also,  oh,  God  of 
mercy!  all  my  hopes  and  desires  of  improvement.  Fulfil 
all  Thy  will  in  me." 

The  affecting  narrative  proceeds  :  "  In  the  Fall  of  1816, 
as  already  mentioned,  with  a  body  much  reduced  by  nurs- 
ing our  last  child,  she  took  a  cold,  which,  after  continuing 
some  weeks,  was  attended  with  other  symptoms  of  that 
disease  which  had  within  a  few  years  been  fatal  to  several 
of  her  family.  The  usual  means  of  checking  the  first  ap- 
proaches of  the  disorder  were  resorted  to,  and  seemed 
likely  to  be  effectual.  For  a  time  our  hopes  revived  ;  but 
a  return  of  the  same  symptoms  in  the  month  of  March, 
1817,  again  awakened  our  serious  fears.  After  a  few  weeks, 
a  physician  was  again  called  in.  Never  can  I  forget  the 
scene.  Mary  and  myself  were  alone  when  he  came.  His 
questions,  her  answers,  his  looks,  his  prescriptions,  and 
whole  conduct  were  decisive.  He  left  us ;  and  in  a  mo- 
ment we  found  ourselves  clasped  in  each  others  arms,  and 
embracing,  as  it  were,  for  the  last  time,  and  endeavoring 
to  reconcile  each  other  to  the  will  of  God." 


422  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

"A  choice  was  now  given  between  a  journey  and  voyage, 
or  a  long  and  sickening  course  of  medicine.  We  did  not 
hesitate,  but  determined  to  adopt  the  former." 

About  the  middle  of  April,  they  left  their  home  for  the 
South — journeying  by  carriage  and  steamboat  to  ISTorfolk, 
and  thence  by  water  to  Charleston,  S.  C,  before  reaching 
which,  the  Bishop's  "hopes  were  entirely  gone."  He 
"  feared  they  would  not  be  able  to  reach  land  and  find 
some  comfortable  house  in  which  Mrs.  Meade  might  breathe 
out  her  last.  Heaven  ordered  it  otherwise."  "After  spend- 
ing a  week  in  Charleston,  and  finding  no  benefit  to  her 
from  the  air  of  that  place,  I  purchased  a  carriage  and 
horses,  and  a  horse  for  myself,  with  which  we  set  out  for 
our  home,  at  a  distance  of  six  hundred  miles  from  it. 
What  a  journey  for  such  a  frame !  Her  patience,  and 
meekness,  and  resignation  were  remarkable  throughout.'' 

"  It  was  my  office  to  bear  her  in  my  arms  from  the  car- 
riage to  the  houses  where  we  stopped  and  back  again." 
"As  her  body  weakened,  her  hope  was  strengthened." 

"After  a  long  journey,  during  which  not  an  accident  oc- 
curred to  delay  us  on  the  way,  we  reached  our  friends  at 
home.  In  ten  days  her  journey  of  life  was  over." 
•  "  During  the  night  of  the  2nd  of  July,  I  insisted  upon 
watching  over  her  more  entirely  and  exclusively  than  on 
any  other  night,  though  I  always  spent  my  nights  in  the 
same  room,  and  near  her  side.  She  slept  but  little,  though 
she  did  not  appear  to  suifer.  At  length  I  was  overcome 
with  sleep,  and  my  head  sank  beside  her's.  She  put  her 
hand  upon  me,  and  asked  if  I  could  not  keep  myself  awake. 
Had  she  not  a  presentiment  that  she  was  soon  to  be  called 
and  did  she  not  wish  me  to  be  awake  to  receive  her  last 
farewell?" 

"  Her  words  have  often  sounded  in  my  ears  like  those 
of  the  blessed  Saviour  to  His  disciples  on  the  night  before 
His  death :     '  Could  ye  not  watch  with  me  one  hour  ?'  " 

"  Just  as  the  day  dawned  she  called  me  to  her  side  ;  her 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  423 

eyes,  her  hand,  her  voice,  all  said  to  me,  '  I  am  going,  Wil- 
liam,' for  by  that  name  she  always  called  me.  '  I  trust 
you  are  read}^,  my  dear,'  was  all  I  could  say.  '  I  trust  so,' 
was  her  answer.  She  asked  for  her  parents.  Through 
mistake  they  were  not  called  immediately.  I  believe  she 
asked  for  them  a  second  time,  when  her  father  and  sister 
and  some  other  friends  came  into  the  room.  But  she  was 
too  far  gone  to  speak  to  them.  Life  was  expiring.  It  was 
some  comfort  to  him,  that  she  died  in  her  husband's  arms. 
He  heard  the  last  breath  that  left  her  lips ;  he  felt  the  last 
pulse  which  beat  in  her  veins.  It  was  just  as  the  glorious 
sun  arose,  that  her  blessed  spirit  ascended  to  the  realms  of 
glory,  leaving  below  a  most  unworthy  but  fondly  at- 
tached husband,  and  three  motherless  boys,  to  mourn  their 
loss." 

"  Her  remains  were  deposited  in  the  grave-yard  at  the 
old  Chapel,  where  she  and  her  husband  had  from  their 
childhood  been  accustomed  to  attend,  and  where  the  latter 
had  preached  ever  since  his  ordination,  and  where  he  con- 
tinued to  preach  many  years  afterward."  On  a  marble  slab 
which  covers  that  sacred  deposit,  the  following  words  are 
inscribed : 

" '  But  Mary  has  chosen  that  good  part,  which  shall  not 
be  taken  from  her.'  " 

"  A  silent  and  loving  woman  is  a  gift  from  the  Lord, 
and  there  is  nothing  of  so  much  worth  as  a  mind  well 
instructed." 

"  If  there  be  kindness,  meekness,  and  comfort  in  her 
tongue,  then  is  not  her  husband  like  other  men." 

Of  his  second  sorrow  of  like  nature,  no  other  narrative 
is  needed  than  that  which  is  annexed  to  the  second  part 
of  the  "Recollections"  in  the  form  of  an  Obituary,  pre- 
pared by  his  own  hand.  Whilst  it  commemorates  the  emi- 
nent virtues  and  lovely  spirit  of  the  wife  for  whom  he 
mourned,  it  discloses  the  devoted  affection  and  exquisite 


424  MEMOIR   OP  BISHOP   MEADE. 

tenderness  of  the  husband  in  a  manner  which  must  elevate 
him  more  and  more  in  the  estimation  of  all  who  appreciate 
intense,  intelligent  and  delicate  love. 

OBITUARY  OF  MRS.  THOMASIA  MEADE,  WRITTEN  BY  HER  HUS- 
BAND FOR  THE    "SOUTHERN  CHURCHMAN/'    AT  THE  TIME 
OF    HER    DEATH. 

"Died,  July  26th,  1836,  at  the  seat  of  Dr.  Carter  Berke- 
ley, in  the  county  of  Hanover,  in  the  41st  year  of  her  age, 
Mrs.  Thomasia  Meade,  wife  of  the  Eight  Eev.  William 
Meade. 

"  This  event,  though  long  and  certainly  expected  by 
many,'  while  only  feared  by  some,  will  affect  the  hearts  of 
all  who  knew  the  deceased,  with  emotions  not  easily  de- 
scribed, nor  soon  to  be  allayed. 

"  There  are  some  few  among  our  poor  simple  race,  who 
seem  by  nature  to  be  cast  in  so  iSne  a  mould,  and  then  to 
be  so  highly  polished  and  beautifully  adorned,  as  to  attract 
almost  irresistibly  the  hearts  of  all  who  come  within  their 
reach. 

"  It  will  not  be  considered  too  much  to  say  that  such 
was  eminently  the  case  with  the  deceased.  Her  mind,  her 
person,  her  countenance,  her  voice  and  speech,  her  gentle 
manners,  and  affectionate  disposition,  her  fine  flow  of  ani- 
mal spirits,  and,  above  all,  her  pious  feelings  and  habits, 
all  concurred  to  make  her  one  of  the  most  interesting  and 
perfect  specimens  of  human  nature  which  we  are  permit- 
ted to  see.  There  was  indeed  a  kind  of  magic  charm  about 
her,  which  immediately  seized  upon  the  affections,  and 
made  her  a  favorite  wherever  she  went,  with  whomsoever 
she  became  acquainted.  Even  little  children,  attracted  by 
her  smiles,  would,  as  though  by  instinct,  be  ready  to  leave 
their  nurse's  and  mother's  arms,  to  leap  into  her's.  The 
servants  of  every  household  which  she  visited,  won  by  her 
kindness,  loved  her  at  once  and  never  forgot  her.  She  was 
always  cheerful,  always  happy,  and  there  was  so  much  of 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  425 

strong  natural  affection  in  her  heart,  that  it  seemed  always 
ready  to  pour  itself  forth,  in  words  and  deeds  of  kindness, 
such  as  flowed  spontaneously  from  her.  There  was  such 
a  quick  discernment  of  all  the  proprieties  of  life,  such  a 
constant  consideration  for  the  feelings  of  others,  that  she 
seemed  in  no  danger  of  ever  giving  offence.  Nor  did  she 
excite  an  envious  feeling  in  one  human  bosom,  for  it  was 
evident  that  the  last  thing  she  sought,  was  to  be  admired. 
With  a  mind  of  the  first  order,  and  with  a  store  of  informa- 
tion possessed  by  few  of  her  sex,  she  was  never  guilty  of 
anything  which  even  savored  of  vanity,  or  looked  like 
display. 

"  But  are  we  not  describing  one  of  those  pure  spirits  of 
another  world,  to  whom  virtue  and  holiness  are  natural, 
rather  than  one  of  the  fallen  daughters  of  Adam  ?  If  any 
be  disposed  to  advocate  the  doctrine  of  native  goodness 
from  this  happy  specimen,  and  to  maintain  that  virtue 
and  natural  religion,  without  penitence  and  faith,  are  suf- 
ficient for  Heaven,  we  hasten  to  inform  them,  that,  how- 
ever happy  and  amiable  by  nature,  however  high  the  order 
of  her  mind,  and  great  the  elevation  of  her  character,  by 
comparison  with  many  others,  yet,  at  an  early  period  of 
life,  she  was  taught  by  the  Spirit  and  Word  of  God,  that 
the  very  angels  are  charged  with  folly,  and  the  Heavens 
are  unclean  in  His  sight,  and  that,  among  the  children  of 
men,  'there  is  none  good,  no,  not  one.'  While  in  the  bloom 
of  youth,  and  in  all  the  gayety  and  sprightliness  of  her 
heart,  and  loved  and  caressed  by  all  her  companions,  she 
was  made  to  feel  that  she  was  a  sinner,  and  such  a  sinner, 
that  for  a  long  time  her  soul  refused  all  comfort;  her 
pleasant  food  lost  all  its  relish  ;  the  merry  song  and  dance 
in  which  she  delighted  ceased  to  please,  and  were  deserted, 
and  it  was  not  until  after  much  tribulation  that  she  en- 
tered that  'Kingdom  which  is  righteousness,  peace  and 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.'  Though  she  never  for  a  moment 
turned   back  to   the  world   or  felt  a  desire  for  its  vain 


426  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

amusements,  yet  she  ever  preserved  her  cheerful  and 
happy  spirit,  and  her  fine  natural  disposition  and  cultivated 
understanding  were  all  sanctified  and  rendered  more  use- 
ful and  interesting.  She  became  the  steady  Sunday  School 
teacher,  the  active  friend  of  every  good  work  in  the  par- 
ish, the  strict  economist  in  dress  and  everything  relating 
to  herself.  Her  melodious  voice  and  fine  musical  powers 
were  now  entirely  consecrated  to  the  service  of  Grod ;  and  in 
the  social  circle,  and  in  the  house  of  God,  she  was  always 
wont  to  lead  this  interesting  part  of  the  worship  of  Jehovah. 
It  has  now  been  more  than  fifteen  years  since  she 
became  the  wife  of  the  Eev.  W.  Meade,  now  assistant 
Bishop  of  Virginia,  at  which  time  she  took  the  charge  of 
his  three  children,  whom  she  at  once  began,  and  ever  con- 
tinued to  love,  with  a  mother's  fondest  affection,  and  con- 
scientiously sought,  in  conjunction  with  their  father,  to 
train  for  Heaven.  Concerning  them,  she  would  often  say 
during  her  life,  as  she  did,  most  emphatically,  in  death, 
that  she  could  scarcely  conceive  how  a  mother  could  have 
a  stronger  affection  for  her  own  children  than  she  felt  for 
them.  And  they  also,  now  in  sorrow,  ask  whether  it  is 
possible  for  children  to  feel  more  love  towards  the  mother 
who  gives  them  birth  than  they  have  ever  felt  for  her. — 
In  the  relation  of  wife  to  a  minister  of  God,  she  was  a 
pattern  to  all.  His  usefulness  and  her  happiness  were 
inseparably  connected.  To  have  hindered  the  one  would 
have  destroyed  the  other.  A  proof  of  this  occurred 
within  the  last  two  years,  when  he  was  suddenly  and 
unexpectedly  called  to  leave  a  place  rendered  dear  to  them, 
both  by  the  society  of  many  beloved  friends  and  relations, 
and  a  thousand  tender  recollections,  in  order  to  go  to  a 
distant  part  of  the  Diocese — Norfolk.  Painful  as  was  the 
thought  of  separating  from  so  many  beloved  relatives,  and 
bidding  adieu  to  a  home  so  delightful,  to  go  amongst 
strangers,  she  hesitated  not  one  moment,  uttered  not  one 
word  of  remonstrance,  but   at  once   made   ready  to  go 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  427 

where  duty  seemed  to  call.  As  usual,  many  and  affection- 
ate friends  were  soon  gathered  around,  and  in  her  new 
situation  she  was,  as  heretofore,  cheerful  and  happy.  It 
was  not,  however,  the  intention  of  Providence,  that  either 
new  or  old  friends  should  long  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  her 
society  here  below.  God  had  a  better  place  and  better 
friends  prepared  for  her  elsewhere.  During  the  last  sum- 
mer she  took  a  severe  cold,  which,  accompanied  by  high 
fever,  so  seriously  affected  a  constitution  always  frail,  as 
to  threaten  her  life.  From  this,  however,  she  so  far  recov- 
ered in  the  fall  as  to  give  good  hope  of  a  restoration  to 
her  usual  health.  But  a  worm  unseen  had  insinuated 
itself  into  her  vitals,  and  was  there  silently  awaiting  his 
time  to  do  the  work  of  destruction.  In  the  month  of 
December  she  was  again  attacked,  and  soon  there  was 
reason  to  believe  that  the  complaint  was  that  insidious 
one,  which,  while  it  is  surely  doing  the  work  of  death, 
deceives  with  the  promise  of  life.  At  once,  though  still 
believing  it  not  only  possible,  but  sometimes  even  proba- 
ble, that  she  would  recover,  she  began  to  set  her  house  in 
order  and  prepare  for  death.  Her  language  to  one  with 
whom  she  often  and  freely  conversed,  was,  '  I  desire  to 
feel  myself  in  God's  hands,  and  to  have  Him  to  do  His 
will  without  being  at  all  anxious  about  the  event.'  When 
medicine  and  pain  would  allow,  she  was  the  same  happy, 
cheerful  being  as  before ;  always  considerate  of  her 
friends,  and  pouring  forth  the  affections  of  her  heart 
towards  them.  Her  gratitude  to  God  was  in  continual 
exercise.  In  the  intervals  of  pain  she  would  speak  of  His 
tender  mercies  to  her,  and  ask  how  it  was  possible  any 
one  could  be  surrounded  with  more  comfort  and  blessings. 
With  this  theme  she  never  wearied.  God's  mercies  seemed 
ever  new  to  her.  Could  those  in  the  full  enjoyment  of 
health  experience  half  the  happiness  in  their  health  that 
she  did  during  the  intervals  of  pain,  how  much  would  the 
sum  of  human  happiness  be  increased  1     All  manner  of 


428  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

kindnesses  from  her  numerous  friends  in  Norfolk  flowed 
in  uj)on  her  every  day  and  every  hour,  and  kept  her  affec- 
tionate heart  in  constant  exercise  of  gratitude  towards 
them.  She  often  exclaimed,  '  Surely  there  were  never  so 
many  kind  people  in  any  one  place  as  in  this!'  But  she 
had  a  beloved  mother,  and  a  kind  step-father,  who  had 
been  her  j)hysician  from  early  youth,  and  other  dear  and 
near  relatives  who  were  not  with  her,  and  she  wished  to 
die  in  the  midst  of  them. 

"  In  the  early  part  of  May,  by  the  kindness  of  God,  for 
which  she  was  always  praising  Him,  she  was  enabled  to 
reach  Hanover  county,  where  that  mother  and  those  rela- 
tives lived.  The  effort  was  almost  too  much  for  her  ex- 
hausted and  emaciated  frame.  Scarce  alive,  she  reached 
the  last  stage  of  her  earthly  pilgrimage. 

"  But  now,  to  the  surprise  of  all,  hope  sprung  up  anew 
in  the  hearts  of  her  friends,  and  she  herself,  conscious  of 
a  favorable  change,  began  to  think  and  speak  of  longer 
life  on  earth.  It  was  a  short-lived  impression.  In  a  few 
weeks  the  destroyer  resumed  his  work,  and  slowly,  though 
surely,  carried  it  on  for  two  long  months  of  suffering.  She 
was  wasted  to  a  shadow.  '  All  my  bones,'  she  would  say, 
with  Job,  '  stand  staring  and  looking  upon  me.'  To  find 
one  easy  posture  by  day  or  night,  was  sometimes  impossi- 
ble. No  murmur  escaped  her  lips,  but  sometimes  after 
seeking  in  vain  for  relief  in  every  varied  posture,  by  a 
silent  flood  of  tears  she  would  show  the  intensity  of  her 
sufferings.  And  yet,  even  now,  there  were  intervals  of 
ease,  and  occasionally  some  relish  for  food.  And  what 
voluptuary  ever  enjoyed  his  abundant  feast  as  she  did  the 
little  morsel  which  she  could  eat  ?  What  man  of  health 
ever  rejoiced  as  she  did  in  the  comfort  experienced  in  her 
intervals  of  ease  ?  She  was  enabled,  generally,  at  an  early 
hour  of  the  morning,  to  read  or  hear  a  portion  of  God's 
Word,  and  sometimes  she  would  lift  her  enfeebled,  though 
still  melodious  voice,  in  the  sacred  song.  She  usually  awoke 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  429 

at  the  dawn  of  day,  and  was  then  in  her  best  state  of  body 
and  mind.  Near  the  house  were  some  large  and  beautiful 
forest  trees  in  their  most  interesting  state,  where  numbers 
of  birds  collected,  and  made  a  sweet  concert  at  that  early 
hour.  Their  notes  were  ecstacy  to  her  ear  and  to  her  soul, 
and  she  would  choose  that  time  to  mingle  the  sounds  of 
her  voice  with  theirs  in  hymns  of  praise  to  their  Creator 
and  her  Eedeemer.  Xot  many  mornings  before  her  death, 
weak  as  she  was,  she  sang  alone  two  stanzas  of  Heber's 
beautiful  hymn, 


'From  Greenland's  icy  mountains. 


'^  As  death  approached,  her  sufferings  diminished,  and,  a 
few  days  before  the  event,  her  power  to  suffer  seemed  to 
be  almost  gone,  and  yet  her  mind  was  in  its  most  perfect 
state. 

"  On  the  Sunday  evening  before  her  death,  some  of  her 
devoted  relatives  from  the  neighborhood,  thinking  that 
her  end  was  near,  gathered  round  her.  She  understood 
its  meaning  well,  and  felt  that  there  was  cause  for  it. 
About  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  she  assembled  them  all 
around  her  bed,  and  spoke  in  such  a  manner  as  we  would 
expect  a  Christian,  a  wife,  a  mother,  and  a  relative  would 
do  on  so  solemn  an  occasion.  She  particularly  spoke  of  her 
dear  boys,  as  she  called  them,  and  said  that  if  it  pleased 
Providence,  she  would  be  thankful  to  remain  until  they 
came,  that  she  might  see  them  once  more.  After  this  she 
fell  asleep.  On  the  following  day  she  revived  a  little,  and 
enjoyed  food  and  the  society  of  her  friends  more  than 
usual.  It  was  not  until  ten  o'clock  on  Tuesday  morning, 
that  she  felt  her  hour  to  be  come,  that  hour  for  which, 
during  the  preceding  night,  she  had.  often  prayed,  saying  : 
'Blessed  Saviour,  come  and  take  me  to  Thyself;'  'Heavenly 
Father,  if  it  please  Thee,  take  me  to  Thyself  All  her 
most  loved  relatives  and  friends  were  around  her  bed,  when 
she  told  them  that  her  hour  was  come,  she  was  almost 


430  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

gone.  She  took  leave  of  them  separately,  calling  first  her 
mother,  her  precious  mother,  as  she  often  repeated,  and 
giving  her  a  small  present;  then  her  sister  and  brother; 
then  the  rest ;  giving  to  each  some  token  of  love,  accom- 
panied by  expressions  of  tenderness.  After  this,  all  were 
requested  to  leave  the  room  for  a  few  moments,  when  her 
husband  approached  to  receive  her  last  farewell.  As  he 
leaned  his  head  towards  her,  she  put  her  arms  around  his 
neck,  pressed  his  face  to  hers,  laid  her  hand  gently  upon 
his  cheek  and  forehead,  as  if  to  soothe  him,  and  said, 
'  What  a  dear  husband  you  have  been  to  me,'  spoke  of  their 
former  happiness,  and  their  hope  of  meeting  again ;  told 
him  to  give  her  love  to  her  dear  boys,  declaring,  as  she  had 
often  done  before,  that  she  did  not  know  what  to  say  to 
them — she  loved  them  so  much;  then  sj)oke  of  the  ser- 
vants ;  then  enjoined  him  to  give  her  love  to  all  her  dear 
friends  in  Frederick  and  Norfolk.  After  this,  she  signified 
her  wish  that  her  mother  should  come  to  her.  Her  mother, 
with  all  the  others  came,  and  the  room  was  again  full  of 
pious  and  affectionate  relatives.  She  then  asked  her  hus- 
band to  place  one  of  his  hands  under  her  head,  to  support 
it,  and  in  the  other  to  hold  both  of  her  hands.  This  being 
done,  she  said  she  would  endeavor  to  sing  a  hymn,  and 
proceeded,  in  distinct  and  sweet  tones,  to  sing : 

'  0  Thou,  from  whom  all  goodness  flows  1 
I  give  myself  to  Thee.' 

"Here  her  voice  failed;  but  she  said,  *I  will  try  again 
presently.'  But  that  voice  was  lost  in  death.  At  that 
moment  it  was  evident  that  the  hand  of  death  was  upon 
her.  Her  eye  wandered.  She  busied  herself  for  a  moment — 
not  knowing  what  she  was  doing — in  adjusting  the  clothes 
about  her  neck  and  arms ;  then  her  head  sunk  a  little,  and 
the  last  struggle  came  on  ;  but  it  was  a  gentle  struggle,  and 
as  it  proceeded,  a  number  of  sweet  voices  joined  in  the  fol- 
lowing hymn  for  a  departing  soul  ; 

'  Happy  soul  I  thy  days  are  ended,'  etc. 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  431 

"  A  short  time  after  this  was  ended,  the  pulse  ceased  to 
beat,  the  bosom  to  heave,  and  the  eye  was  closed  forever. 

"  On  the  following  day,  her  remains  were  interred  in  the 
grave-yard  around  the  Old  Fork  Church,  St.  Martin's  par- 
ish, Hanover,  by  the  side  of  her  aged  grandmother,  the 
venerable  relict  of  General  Nelson,  of  Yorktown,  Virginia. 

"  To  lose  such  a  friend,  one  so  sweet,  so  pious,  so  inter- 
esting, is  indeed  hard  to  bear ;  but  God's  will  (which  must 
be  best)  be  done.  '  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the 
Lord.' 

"How  blessed  the  righteous  when  he  dies  1 
When  sinks  a  weary  soul  to  rest, 
How  mildly  beam  the  closing  eyes, 
How  gently  heaves  the  expiring  breast ! 

"So  fades  a  summer  cloud  away  ; 

So  sinks  the  gale,  when  storms  are  o'er; 
So  gently  shuts  the  eye  of  day  ; 
So  dies  a  wave  along  the  shore. 

■"A  holy  quiet  reigns  around, 

A  calm  which  life  nor  death  destroys, 
Nothing  disturbs  that  peace  profound, 
Which  the  unfettered  soul  enjoys. 

"  Farewell,  conflicting  hopes  and  fears, 

Where  lights  and  shades  alternate  dwell ! 
How  bright  the  unchanging  moon  appears  — 
Farewell,  inconstant  world,  farewell ! 

"Life's  duty  done,  as  sinks  the  clay. 
Light  from  its  load  the  spirit  flies ; 
While  Heaven  and  earth  combine  to  say 
How  blessed  the  righteous  when  he  dies." 

The  two  letters  which  follow  manifest  a  depth  of  feeling 
both  for  his  own  and  others'  bereavement,  not  always 
united  with  the  firmness  and  force  of  character  for  which 
he  was  so  distinguished.  The  first  is  addressed  to  Dr  . 
Carter  Berkeley,  who,  by  marriage,  sustained  the  paternal 
relation  to  Mrs.  Meade,  and  at  whose  house  she  died.     It 


432  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

bears  date  four  years  after  her  decease.     The  second  is  to 
one  of  his  grandsons,  on  the  death  of  his  beloved  mother. 

Petersburg,  July  2,  1839. 
My  Dear  Sir : 

I  wrote  you  a  few  days  since,  mentioning  my  unsuccessful  effort  to  get 
to  Hanover  last  week,  and  my  expectation  to  be  with  you  and  all  our  dear 
friends  on  Monday,  the  8th,  on  my  way  to  Alexandria.  Since  then,  I  per- 
ceive that  the  day  of  meeting  is  Tuesday,  instead  of  Wednesday,  as  T  had 
supposed.  This  will  prevent  the  indulgence  of  one  of  those  gratifications 
which  my  heart,  sometimes,  even  in  the  midst  of  many  high  and  holy 
duties  and  pleasures,  yearns  after  most  earnestly.  I  love  to  look  at  the 
place  where  the  remains  of  my  beloved  wife  are  laid,  and  to  be  in  the  house 
where  she  loved  to  be,  and  to  see  those  who  were  so  dear  to  her,  I  wanted 
to  have  brought  some  little  presents  for  Kate's  children,  and  their  dear 
mother  and  grandmother ;  but  my  happiness  must  be  henceforth  more  than 
ever  in  duty.  Although  I  trust  that  God  is  making  me  more  willing  to 
live  for  Him,  and  upon  Him,  yet  my  heart  is  sometimes  sad  at  the  thought 
of  the  manner  of  my  remaining  life  —  that  I  shall  probably  be  almost  a 
stranger  even  to  my  own  children  and  children's  children.  May  we  all  be 
together  in  Heaven,  is  my  comfort. 

As  I  cannot  come,  I  send  something  which  I  wish  spent  in  a  better  man- 
ner than  I  could  have  done  it,  in  some  articles  of  clothing  for  those  dear 
objects  of  my  affection  mentioned  above.     Love  to  all. 

Yours,  very  truly, 

W.  Meade. 


Mountain  View,  Feb.  29,  1839. 
To  my  Dear  Grandson.     Dear  Motherless  Babe  : 

In  times  of  old  the  name  of  Grandfather  was  scarce  known.  Father  was 
the  only  word.  His  children's  children  were  his  own  dear  children,  living  in 
his  heart.  My  heart  tells  me  that  it  was  natu*'s  language,  for  how  does 
it  yearn  over  thee,  my  child  ;  how  it  swells  within  me,  and  sends  tears  into 
mine  eyes  at  the  thought  of  thee  !  I  feel  as  though  my  youth  were  renewed, 
and  all  the  affections  of  my  nature  drawn  out.  But  there  is  one  painful 
thought  that  will  enter  —  how  little  shall  I  be  with  thee,  my  child  —  how 
seldom  take  thee  in  mine  arms.  Thou  wilt  scarcely  know  me,  dear.  Thou 
wilt  not  love  me,  as  a  child  his  father  —  as  thy  dear  father  did,  when  a 
babe.  Even  now,  after  seeing  thee  only  for  a  few  moments,  I  feel  thine 
absence,  and  the  distance  between  us ;  and  my  heart  is  aching  for  thee, 
and  I  feel  sadness  come  over  me,  because  thou  art  so  far  away.  If  it  be 
thus  with  me,  oh,  what  must  be  thine  own  dear  father's  feelings,  at  parting 
with  thee  though  only  for  a  time !     Oh  how  can  he  tear  himself  away,  after 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  433 

having  doted  on  thee  for  more  than  three  months,  in  the  presence  and  arms 
of  thj  mother !  What  shall  sustain  his  heart  when  slowly  and  sorrowfully 
traveling  back  the  dreary  road  thy  mother's  corpse  was  brought?  The 
thought  of  thee  and  that  dear  mother  shall  rush  into  his  soul.  And  when 
he  reaches  that  deserted  home,  enters  that  vacant  chamber,  once  so  blessed 
with  those  so  loved  —  when  he  looks  upon  that  bed  upon  which  she  lay 
and  nursed  thee  at  her  side  —  that  cradle  in  which  he  so  often  rocked  thee, 
and  finds  no  mother  there  to  answer  when  he  speaks,  no  child  to  take  in 
his  arms,  and  press  to  his  heart.  Oh  !  what  can  keep  that  heart  from 
breaking  ?  God  only.  Thou  wilt  never  know,  dear,  what  a  blessing  thou, 
and  thy  father,  and  I  have  lost.  Oh  !  how  dear  was  she  to  my  heart !  An 
own  and  only  daughter  could  scarce  have  been  more  so.  I  am  told  that 
her  mother,  in  her  dying  hour,  as  it  were,  bequeathed  her  unto  me,  that  is, 
she  commended  her  to  my  special  prayers  and  pastoral  care,  and  have  I  not 
ever  felt  ihe  yearnings  of  a  father's  heart  towards  her?  Thine  own  father, 
dear  child,  loved  her  early,  loved  her  long,  loved  her  tenderly,  and  loved 
her  only ;  and  on  the  night  of  their  espousals,  as  I  clasped  her  to  my  bosom, 
and  called  her  my  own  child,  I  felt  (and  told  her  so)  as  if  Heaven  had  re- 
stored me  one,  whom  thou  canst  never  see  on  earth,  my  dear ,  in  a 

daughter  who  resembled  her.  How  often  have  I  looked  forward  to  happy 
days  with  my  children  and  children's  children,  and  sometimes  have  I 
thought  that  perhaps,  in  the  course  of  duty  and  of  Providence,  I  might  end 
my  days  with  them.  But  God  is  good  and  wise  and  gracious,  and  hath 
dealt  otherwise  with  us  all.     Dear has  no  mother  below  Heaven. 

Dear ,  thy  father  has  no  one  now  to  lie  on  his  bosom,  and  thy 

grandfather  has  lost  a  loving  daughter,  but  still  we  all  have  many  dear 
friends.  There  are  many  who  would  gladly  be  tender  mothers  to  thee,  for 
thine  own  sake,  and  thy  sainted  mother's  sake,  if  it  would  not  break  thy 
dear  father's  heart  to  part  with  thee,  and  God  will  make  him  to  be  both 
thy  father  and  thy  mother,  and  thou  wilt  have  friends  most  kind  in  every 
one  who  Knew  and  loved  thy  mother.  Oh  !  that  they  may  not  be  too  kind, 
cruelly  kind  to  thee  !  Let  them  love  thee  with  their  prayers,  and  nourish 
thee  with  words  of  Heavenly  wisdom,  and  make  thee  ready  for  thy  mother, 
when  she  shall  come  down  to  meet  thee  on  the  shores  of  Heaven.  Even 
now,  may  their  holy  charity  begin.  When  she,  who  was  as  a  mother  to 
thy  mother,  and  who  so  loves  to  nurse  thee,  shall  bathe  thy  tender  limbs 
in  the  pure  water  from  the  streams  of  earth,  may  her  soul  be  lifted  up  in 
prayer,  that  the  purer  waters  of  Heaven  may  be  poured  over  thy  soul.  And 
when  she  shall  bind  the  needful  raiment  about  thy  little  body,  may  her 
prayer  be,  that  thy  soul  may  be  wrapped  in  the  robe  of  Christ.  And  when 
thou  art  troubled,  and  she  hushes  thee  to  rest,  may  the  prayer  be,  so  let 
his  soul  he  calmed  when  the  troubled  waves  of  life  pass  over  him. 

I  write  thus,  my  child,  because  it  soothes  my  heart  when  I  think  of  thee, 
19 


434  MEMOIR   OF  BISHOP   MEADE. 

thy  mother,  and  my  dear ,  thy  father,  and  because  I  may  never  see 

thee  more.  Should  I  be  called  away  suddenly,  as  thy  mother  was,  I  leave 
this  as  a  memorial  of  my  love  to  thee.  Thy  father  or  some  other  will  read 
it  to  thee,  when  thou  canst  know  its  meaning,  and  will  tell  thee  that  I  am 
gone  where  thy  mother  is,  and  that  we  will  meet  thee  at  the  shore,  and 
carry  thee  to  Christ.  Farewell,  dear  child,  and  Heaven  save  thee  from  the 
evil  to  come. 

Thy  loving  grandfather, 

W.  M. 


WRITINGS. 


It  may  be  conjectured  that  one  who  was  so  constantly 
engaged  in  active  parochial  duties — in  voluntary  mission- 
ary labors  and  in  personal  services  in  connection  with  the 
general  enterprises  of  Christian  benevolence,  would  have 
no  time  to  supply  the  delinquency  which  must  have  been 
occasioned  by  the  irregular  and  desultory  character  of  his 
early  professional  studies — certainly  none  to  aid  in  pro- 
moting those  important  objects  by  means  of  the  press. 
And  yet,  he  was  through  life  a  diligent  reader  of  works 
calculated  to  further  him  him  in  the  Divine  life,  and  to  in- 
crease his  capability  for  ministerial  usefulness.  He  was, 
however,  rigidly  eclectic  with  regard  to  books,  resolutely, 
and  with  great  discernment,  eschewing  all  which  were  not  to 
edification,  and  happily  appreciating  both  in  religious  and 
secular  literature  whatever  of  real  value  he  could  command. 
And  as  for  his  pen,  he  began  to  employ  it  for  the  benefit  of 
others,  almost  as  soon  as  he  was  licensed  to  preach — first 
in  adapting  the  productions  of  other  persons'  and  times  to 
the  wants  of  his  own  people,  and  then  by  preparing  and 
publishing  occasionally  sermons  and  treatises  upon  subjects 
suo-gested  by  his  knowledge  of  what  his  parishioners  needed 
or  the  state  of  the  Church  required. 

In  a  letter  to  the  Assistant  Bishop,  he  writes : 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE,  435 

Millwood,  Feb.  10,  '44. 

♦  **%*****  <'i  have  been  much  confined  this  winter,  now  for 
more  than  five  weeks  at  home,  so  as  not  even  to  be  at  Church.  A  cold 
toothache,  and  sore  eyes  have  beset  me.  I  have,  however,  not  been  idle 
having  written  a  very  long  criticism  on  Mr.  Park's  sermons,  having  thrown 
into  more  form  and  written  out  my  lectures  on  Pastoral  Theology,  most  of 
which  were  only  in  notes  before,  and  scribbled  something  for  the  press.  In 
the  Protestant  Churchman  are  two  pieces  signed  '  Senex  on  the  Church  Svs- 
tem.'  In  the  next  Rscorder  you  will  see  one  on  Maurice's  Kingdom  o£ 
Christ.  In  the  next  S.  Churchman  and  Recorder  you  will  see  two  letters 
over  my  name  addressed  to  Bishop  Hopkins  and  Bishop  Onderdonk  of  New 
York.  Perhaps  not  merely  those  who  difter  from  me,  but  those  who  agree 
with  me,  may  think  I  take  too  much  upon  me.  I  wish  I  could  have  coun- 
sel at  hand,  and  sincerely  desire  that  any  friend,  and  none  more  than  your- 
self, would  honestly  say,  if  they  think  it.  A  mere  hint  will  suflSce  to  make 
me  retire. 

"But  I  have  felt  that  in  these  times,  when  some  are  boasting  of  all  the 
churchmauship,  and  seem  disposed  to  take  all  the  power,  that  any  one  has 
a  right  to  come  forward  and  do  a  little  in  opposition.  I  am  now  getting 
old  and  grey  by  comparison  with  most,  even  of  the  Bishops,  and  perhaps 
may  not  live  long  to  do  anything  for  the  truth  as  I  see  it.  Under  such  in- 
fluences I  wrote  the  letter,  which  you  will  probably  see  next  week. 

"  I  feel  very  weak  from  confinement  and  study  or  writing,  and,  as  soon 
as  the  weather  will  allow,  mean  to  ride  about  as  much  as  possible,  and  get 
all  the  health  and  strength  I  can  for  the  Spring  work.  I  go  to  the  Semi- 
nary immediately  after  Easter,  spend  three  weeks  there,  and  then  proceed 
probably  on  horseback,  through  Albemarle  to  Lynchburg. 

"Perhaps  you  will  wonder  what  I  have  said  to  Bishop  Hopkins  and 
Bishop  Onderdonk.  I  have  thanked  the  former  most  heartily  for  his 
pamphlet,  and  advised  the  latter  to  let  his  case  be  referred  to  the  House  of 
Bishops  next  Fall,  with  a  request  to  give  him  their  candid  opinion  and  fra- 
ternal counsel  about  it." 

The  following  are  the  letters  referred  to  : 

"to    THB   bishop    of    the    PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH    OF    THE    DIOCESE 

OF    VERMONT. 

Right  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother: 

"I  have  recently  received,  and  with  great  pleasure  read  your  four  printed 
letters  to  the  Bishops  and  clergy  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  these  United 
States,  on  certain  points  of  doctrine  and  discipline  now  agitating  our  be- 
loved Church  in  England  and  America.  If  it  be  lawful  and  expedient  for 
you  thus  to  make  known  your  sentiments,  and  seek  to  influence  others  to 
adopt  what  you  think  most  likely  to  conduce  to  the  peace  and  welfare  of 


436  MEMOIR    or   BISHOP    MEADE. 

our  Zion,  and  I  can  see  no  reason  to  the  contrary,  it  may  also  be  to  one, 
such  as  myself,  conscious  of  inability  to  follow  your  example,  at  least  to 
take  this  public  method  of  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  communica- 
tions, and  to  thank  you  most  sincerely  and  heartily  for  them.  I  desire^ 
also,  in  this  public  manner,  to  do  what  I  have  done  in  private,  that  is,  to 
render  thanks  to  the  Giver  of  all  grace,  that  he  has  granted  to  you  the 
talents,  the  learning,  the  opportunity,  and,  above  all,  the  spirit,  to  per- 
form the  task  you  have  undertaken,  in  so  able,  so  learned,  so  judicious, 
temperate  and  courteous  a  manner  as  must  ensure  the  respect  of  the  can- 
did, the  wise  and  pious,  even  though  some  of  them  may  not  in  everything 
agree  with  you.  You  have  set  an  example  to  those  who  write  on  disputed 
points,  of  a  candor  which  enters  into  the  feelings  and  prejudices  of  both 
parties,  and  makes  all  due  allowance  for  their  influence  over  the  judg- 
ment, while  at  the  same  time  you  are  entirely  free  from  the  weakness  of 
indecorous  reserve  or  ambiguity  —  prevailing  errors  of  our  day. 

"You  have  done  what  it  seems  to  me  the  Bishops  and  clergy  in  their 
several  degrees  and  stations  are  now  Imperatively  called  on  to  do,  in  such 
manner  as  may  seem  most  suitable  —  that  is  —  in  reference  to  the  doubts, 
which  are  but  too  prevalent,  and  the  questions  that  are  continually  asked, 
to  assert  in  terms  not  to  be  misunderstood,  the  Protestant  character  of  our 
Church,  in  opposition  to  all  the  glosses  and  perversions  of  her  doctrine  by 
those  who  favor  the  party  which,  within  the  last  few  years,  has  sprung  up 
at  Oxford. 

"You  have,  as  I  conceive,  set  forth  the  true,  moderate  and  Scriptural 
views  of  our  Reformers  on  th^ subject  of  the  ministry,  the  Church  and  sac- 
raments, in  opposition  to  those  extravagant  ones  which  some  very  few,  at 
different  times  since  the  Reformation,  have  held,  and  which,  I  am  persuaded 
ever  have  been,  and  ever  must  be,  injurious  to  the  cause  of  true  piety 
within  our  Church,  and  opposed  to  her  outward  extension. 

"Thus  estimating  your  letters,  I  rejoice  in  their  publication,  and  most 
heartily  recommend  them  to  any  with  whom  my  opinion  may  have  the 
slightest  weight,  especially  to  my  brethren  -of  the  clergy  and  laity  in 
Virginia. 

"It  may  not  be  amiss  to  add,  that  I  have  not  extended  my  remarks  to 
the  suggestions  in  your  fourth  letter  as  to  some  Court  of  appeal  in  the 
General  Church  —  a  subject  worthy  of  serious  consideration  by  the  wisdom 
of  our  triennial  assembly,  and  on  which  I  should  be  unwilling  to  express, 
or  even  to  form  an  opinion  without  full  examination.  In  relation  to  what 
may  be  considered  as  almost  a  new  order  in  the  Church  —  an  order  increas- 
ing in  numbers  and  influence  —  I  mean  the  editors  of  our  religious  news- 
papers, I  much  doubt  whether  any  plan  —  such  as  you  hint  at  —  can  be 
devised  for  restraining  them  or  their  contributors  from  making  an  ill-use, 
at  times,  of  the  power  of  the  press,  without  producing  greater  evil.     If  the 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  437 

solemn  TOWS  taken  at  their  ordination  to  "maintain  as  much  as  lieth  in 
them  quietness,  peace,  and  love  among  all  Christian  people"  —  if  the  fatherly 
remonstrance  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  a  few  years  since  conveyed  in  the 
pastoral  letter  written  by  the  venerable  White,  or  sainted  Grlswold  —  if 
their  own  responsibility  to  Heaven  will  not  preserve  them  from  bitterness 
—  from  violence  and  misrepresentation,  I  know  not  what  can  avail.  So 
deeply  do  I  feel  the  injury  done  to  religion  by  the  misconduct  of  some  of 
them  in  this  respect,  that  were  it  for  me  to  decide  whether  or  not,  every 
religious  paper  of  all  denominations  in  our  land  should  cease,  or  not,  I 
should  be  strongly  tempted  to  conclude  that  their  evil  so  out-weighs  their 
good,  that  we  had  better  try  some  other  method  of  circulating  religious  in- 
telligence and  commending  religious  truth,  than  those  cheap  weekly  mes- 
sengers, the  vehicles  alike  of  blessing  and  cursing,  of  error  and  of  truth. 
Such  an  experiment,  however,  being  impossible,  we  must  try  and  render 
the  established  method  as  innocent  and  as  useful  as  may  be.  Let  those  in 
which  truth  is  set  for*h  in  the  best  spirit,  be  most  encouraged  —  let  the 
Bishops  use  their  influence  in  restraining  the  abuses  of  the  press  within  their 
Dioceses  —  let  subscribers  send  in  their  private  protests,  and,  if  these  be  un- 
availing, withdraw  their  names ;  and,  lastly,  if  the  editors  would  only 
follow  the  example  you  have  set  them  in  all  your  publications,  but  especi- 
ally in  those  for  which  I  thus  publicly  thank  you,  we  might  hope  that  the 
press  uniting  with  the  pulpit,  would  be  a  powerful  instrument  for  making 
our  Church  a  praise  in  our  land.  Praying  that  the  divine  blessing  may  be 
vouchsafed  to  your  labors  of  love,  I  remain  your  afifectionate  friend  and 

brother  in  the  Lord, 

"William  Meade, 

"  Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  in  the  Diocese  of  Virginia. 

''Millwood,  Feb.  3,  1844. 

"P.  S. —  Tn  what  I  have  written  above,  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  understood 
as  reflecting  unkindly  on  worthy  men  who  either  for  an  honest  support  for 
their  families,  or  for  no  pecuniary  consideration  adopt,  this  method  of  pro- 
moting what  they  conceive  to  be  right  views  of  religious  truth,  or,  that  I 
am  unaware  of  the  difiBculties  of  conducting  an  agency  where  so  many  are 
to  be  satisfied  ;  and  especially,  of  excluding  from  their  paper  communica- 
tions containing  some  sentiments  and  expressions  not  approved  by  the  ed- 
itors. These  difficulties  should  make  them  the  more  resolute  in  the  d's- 
charge  of  duty.  They  should  let  the  contributors  know  that  such  communi- 
cations, will  either  be  rejected  or  corrected  at  the  pleasure  of  the  editors. 
Unfortunately,  however,  the  spirits  of  too  many  of  their  readers  delight 
most  in  personal,  sarcastic,  controversal  pieces.  Let  truth  be  fearlessly 
maintained  at  this  time  especially,  but  let  it  be  in  love.  None  have  need 
of  more  grace  to  avoid  a  wrong  spirit  than  editors  of  religious  papers." 


438  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

LETTER  FROM  BISHOP  MEADE  OF  VIRGINIA  TO  THE  BISHOP  OP  NEW  YORK. 

Millwood,  Feb.  8,  1844. 
Right  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

The  last  mail  brought  me  your  circular  to  the  Bishops  of  the  Church,  in 
which  by  reason  of  some  animadversions  on  your  Episcopal  act  in  the  or- 
dination of  Mr.  Carey,  you  invite  a  public  trial  according  to  the  Canon  for 
the  trial  of  Bishops.  Will  you  allow  me,  in  a  spirit  of  friendship  for  all 
concerned  in  this  unhappy  affair,  to  suggest  to  you  and  to  them,  what 
seems  to  me  a  more  excellent  way  of  its  disposal  ?  There  seems  to  be  a 
very  general  impression  throughout  our  Church  and  country,  extending  to 
many  who  in  our  mother  Church  take  a  deep  interest  in  our  affairs,  that  at 
our  next  General  Convention,  something  will  be  done  evincive  of  the  sen- 
timent of  the  Church  on  some  matters  now  agitating  its  peace.  I  have 
often  been,  both  by  letter  and  otherwise,  inquired  of,  whether  this  may  not 
be  reasonably  calculated  on,  and  is  not  very  necessary  ?  My  reply  has 
ever  been  that  too  much  in  this  way,  must  not  be  expected  of  the  General 
Convention — that  it  has  a  most  important,  but  difficult  and  delicate  task 
to  perform  —  that  is,  to  preserve  the  bond  of  union  between  the  different 
dioceses  —  to  legislate  on  main  points  for  the  whole,  so  as  not  to  interfere 
with  the  rights  of  each  part,  producing  alienation  and  tempting  to  separa- 
tion. Controversal  points  must  be  kept  as  much  as  possible  away  from  it. 
With  matters  of  discipline — that  is,  the  execution  of  it,  it  has  nothing  to 
do,  for  that  would  greatly  endanger  peace  and  brotherly  love. 

Still  it  is  impossible  but  that  in  some  shape  or  other,  disputed  points 
will  be  discussed  in  the  course  of  general  legislation,  and  the  prevailing 
sentiment  of  the  Church  be  thus  exhibited.  More  especially  will  this  be 
the  case  with  the  House  of  Bishops,  who  in  their  Pastoral  letter  address  a  tri- 
ennial charge  to  the  Church  on  matters  of  chief  importance. 

My  object  in  this  communication  is  to  suggest  to  you  the  propriety  of 
deferring  all  consideration  of  this  question  until  the  meeting  of  all  the 
Bishops,  and  then  ask  their  candid  brotherly  opinion  on  the  subject  in  dis- 
pute. You  will  thus  have  the  opinion  —  not  of  a  selected  Court,  which 
might  be  charged  with  prejudice  or  partiality,  and  thus  be  destitute  of 
weight  —  but  of  the  whole  body  of  your  brethren,  which  will  be  given,  I 
am  sure,  not  in  the  way  of  severe  condemnation,  if  unfavorable,  but  of 
brotherly  regret  and  disappointment.  As  to  myself,  I  have  no  hesitation 
in  expressing  what,  from  the  first,  have  been  my  views  of  the  case.  En- 
tirely opposed  to  many  sentiments,  uttered  at  the  time  and  since,  by  many 
concerned  in  the  transaction,  as  contrary  to  the  principles  of  our  Church, 
I  still  regard  it  as  a  new  case,  coming  unexpectedly  and  by  surprise  upon 
yourself  and  others ;  attended  by  personal  and  party  considerations  —  in- 
fluencing the  judgment  and  feelings,  and  through  them  the  conduct  of 
those  concerned.  Time  was  wanting,  though  I  think  it  should  have  been 
taken,  at  all  events,  for  full  consideration.    '!£  ou  acted,  it  is  stated,  by  the 


MEMOIR  OP   BISHOP   MEADE.  439 

fidvice  of  two  brethren  in  the  Episcopate,  and  nine  Presbyters,  and  not 
witliout  some  hesitation.  On  all  these  accounts,  however  much  many  of 
us  may  condemn  the  act,  we  must  be  disposed  to  appreciate  the  motives  and 
circumstances  of  the  actor.  As  to  the  trial  of  a  Bishop  for  this  the  first  act 
of  the  kind  occurring  in  our  Church,  and  under  such  circumstances,  except 
it  be  for  the  purpose  of  declaring  to  the  Church  and  world  our  condemna- 
tion of  the  act,  I  should  be  entirely  opposed  to  it,  especially  when  a  far 
more  Christian  and  effectual  method  is  open  to  us  in  the  manner  I  have 
suggested.  Your  own  public  call  for  a  trial  may  be  regarded  as  a  voluntary 
invitation  to  the  expression  of  such  an  opinion  by  the  assembled  Bishops. 
Meanwhile,  I  do  not  think  it  should  be  regarded  as  a  matter  of  wrong,  if 
after  the  full  public  exposure  of  the  whole  transaction,  and  after  each 
Bishop  has  probably  made  up  his  own  mind  on  the  subject  (though  but  few 
of  them  are  made  known)  any  of  them  should  feel  constrained,  out  of  duty 
to  the  Church,  and  to  meet  the  continual  inquiries  made,  and  charges  al- 
leged, to  express  themselves,  so  as  to  remove  from  the  Church  and  them- 
selves injurious  impressions. 

It  appears  to  me  that,  in  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  Church,  such 
an  expression  of  opinion  would  meet  the  general  expectation  and  demand 
as  to  the  sentiment  of  the  American  Church  on  subjects  now  disturbing  our 
peace.  I  mean  not  to  interfere  with  the  rights  of  clergy  and  laity  to  ex- 
press their  sentiments  as  individuals  or  in  Diocesan  and  General  Conven- 
tion, but  only  to  suggest  this  as  the  mode  by  which  the  fraternal  sentiment 
and  advice  of  all  the  Bishops  may  be  had,  rather  than  by  impeachment  and 
trial  conducted  by  a  portion  of  them.  As  your  circular  is  published  in  the 
religious  papers,  I  send  this  to  one  of  them,  for  the  consideration  of  those 
who  may  be  interested  on  the  subject. 

Praying  that  God  may  guide  us  in  all  our  opinions,  feelings  and  conduct 
in  relation  to  this  and  all  other  matters  afifecting  the  welfare  of  religion  and 
our  beloved  Church,  and  that  His  blessing  may  rest  on  yourself  and  Dio- 
cese, I  remain  your  faithful  brother  in  Christ, 

W.  Mkade, 
Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  of  Virginia. 

The  pamphlets  thus  issued  are  by  no  means  of  tran- 
sient interest.  If  collected,  as  they  certainly  should  be, 
they  would  form  several  columns,  and  be  an  invaluable 
legacy  to  the  Church  in  Virginia. 

His  large  works  are,— 1st.  ''Lectures  on  the  Pastoral  OJice,'' 
delivered  to  the  students  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  at 
Alexandria,  Virginia.  The  modest  preface  is  sufficiently 
descriptive  to  supersede  the  necessity  of  any  other  notice, 
and  too  characteristic  of  its  author  to  be  overlooked. 


440  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

''Had  the  undersigned  any  reputation  as  an  author  to 
sustain,  or  were  he  ia  pursuit  of  one,  he  certainly  would 
not  publish  the  following  lectures.  Of  the  sincerity  of 
this  declaration  the  reader  will  not  doubt,  when  he  shall 
perceive  how  large  a  portion  of  the  work,  not  merely  as 
to  sentiments,  but  also  language,  is  borrowed  from  others. 
Although  there  is  also  much  which  is  the  result  of  the 
author's  own  reflections  and  experience,  yet  that  is  of  so 
plain  and  practical  a  character,  and  expressed  ^  such 
unadorned  language,  that  no  one  will  impute  to  him  the 
folly  of  expecting  to  acquire  fame  by  it.  Happily,  how- 
ever, for  the  cause  of  true  piety,  G-od  has  so  ordained  it, 
that  one  ma}''  be  useful  to  others  without  securing  for  him- 
self any  reputation  for  talents  or  learning.  Diligence  in 
using  the  labor  of  others,  and  in  exerting  one's  own 
powers,  however  moderate,  may  effect  something  which, 
with  God's  blessing,  may  be  useful.  Such  is  the  only 
merit  claimed,  and  hope  cherished,  for  the  following  lec- 
tures. H^  *  *  *  *  Two  considerations  have  led  to  the  pub- 
lication of  the  lectures  at  this  time. 

1.  That  the  author  might  the  better  discharge  his  duties 
to  the  young  candidates,  by  furnishing  them  with  a  text- 
book which  they  may  carefully  stud}^,  and  thus,  by  reliev- 
ing him  from  the  delivery  of  the  lectures,  enable  him 
more  thoroughly  to  examine  the  class,  and  more  freely  to 
expatiate  on  the  subjects  under  consideration. 

2.  That  if  there  be  anything  useful  in  them,  others 
might  have  an  opportunity  of  profiting  thereby. 

To  the  favor  of  that  Being,  without  whose  blessing  no 
success  can  be  hoped  for,  the  volume  is  now  humbly  com- 
mended. 

William  Meade, 
Bishop  of  the  P.  E.  C.  of  Virginia. 

A  learned  medical  professor  remarked  that  he  had  read 
these  lectures  with  much  interest  and  benefit,  and  thought 
them  more  admirably  adapted  for  usefulness  to  students 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  441 

of  other  professioDS  than  the  one  for  which  they  were 
prepared. 

2.  "  Old  Churches^  Ministers^  and  Families  of  Virginia.'''' 
—2  vols.,  1857.— The  author  states  that  "In  the  fall  of 
1855,  being  solicited  to  furnish  some  personal  reminiscences 
of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  he  promised  two 
articles  to  one  of  our  Quarterly  Eevicws,  which  have, 
most  unexpectedly,  grown  into  two  octavo  volumes.  He 
was  led  into  this  enlargement,  by  the  further  solicitation 
of  friends,  that  he  would  extend  his  inquiries  into  former 
times,  and,  by  the  discovery  that  there  were  materials  not 
yet  lost  to  history,  of  which  good  use  might  be  made." — 
In  251'osecuting  his  work  he  succeeded  in  "  the  recovery  of 
many  old  vestry  books,  or  fragments  thereof" — found 
much  that  was  interesting  in  the  old  records  of  the  State, 
"now  in  a  mutilated  and  mouldering  condition  in  the 
Clerk's  office  of  various  counties."  Other  documents  were 
furnished  from  old  family  records  and  papers,  which  would 
soon  have  perished.  He  had  inscriptions  copied  from  old 
tomb  stones,  and  describes  them  and  the  old  churches,  or 
ruins,  after  having  carefully  inspected  them — in  some 
instances  having  them  daguerreotjped  for  preservation. 
And,  in  addition  to  all  this,  he  procured  from  the  archives 
of  Parliament,  and  of  Lambeth,  and  of  Fulham  Palaces, 
many  important,  deeply  interesting,  and  hitherto  unpub- 
lished documents  belonging  "to  the  history  of  the  State 
and  Church  in  Yirginia."  Ko  other  man  had  the  oppor- 
tunities and  facilities  which  he  could  command,  for  the 
successful  j)erformance  of  this  work.  The  research,  cor- 
respondence, and  various  other  forms  of  labor  which  it 
required,  were  prodigious,  and,  if  it  had  been  his  only 
gift  to  his  State  and  Diocese,  entitle  him  to  their  great 
admiration,  and  lasting  gratitude. 

3.  "  The  Bible  and  the   Classics,"  1861.— The  history  of 
this  remarkable  volume,  remarkable  for  the  great  research 
which  it  evinces,  and  as  the  production  of  a  writer  who 
19* 


442  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

liad  passed  his  sovoiuioili  3'oai"  boforo  the  work  was  com- 
pleted, may  be  briefly  gathered  from  his  own  statement : 

""When  a  youth  at  school,  studying  the  Greek  and 
Latin  poets,  1  was,  as  doubtless  other  3'ouths  are.  much 
struck  with  the  accounts  there  given  of  the  heathen  gods 
and  goddesses  ;  oi  their  visits  to  the  earth  and  intercourse 
with  mortals;  of  the  miracles  ascribed  to  them;  and 
especially  of  their  frequent  assumption  of  the  human 
tbrm.  1  could  not  but  observe  the  strong  resemblance  be- 
tween some  of  their  fables  in  the  ancient  poets  and  certain 
things  in  the  Old  and  New  Testaments.  AVhile  noticing 
this  resemblance,  I  well  remember  that  unbelieving 
thoughts  would  sometimes  enter  my  mind,  in  opposition 
to  the  faith  in  which  I  had  been  trained,  and  that  I  was 
tempted  to  say,  'perhaps  all  these  marvellous  things  in 
the  Bible  are  false.'  To  the  blessing  oi^  God.  on  a  reli- 
gious education  I  owe  it,  that  the  impression  was  not  an 
abiding  one." 

'*  When  it  pleased  God  more  deeply  to  affect  my  heart 
with  the  truth  and  imjn^rtance  of  our  holy  religion,  and  I 
saw  how  many  classically-educated  youth  oi^  our  country 
were  disposed  to  regard  alike  the  most  sacred  truths  of 
the  Bible  and  the  wild  tables  ot  pagan  writers,  and  how 
much  impurity  was  learned  from  the  latter,  I  began  to 
divad  the  effects  of  a  classical  education,  and  to  think 
that  more  harm  than  good  resulted  therefrom.  But,  on 
continuing  and  enlarging  my  reading  with  a  view  to  the 
ministry,  and  carefully  examining  the  sacred  Scriptures 
and  the  heathen  poets  and  mythologists.  my  mind  was  re- 
lieved of  this  apprehension,  and  I  became  satistied  that  a 
candid  study  and  comparison  of  the  same  with  the  Bible, 
would  produce  quite  a  different  result.  All  my  subsequent 
examinations  have  only  confirmed  me  in  the  conviction 
that  one  of  the  strongest  arguments  in  favor  of  all  that 
seems  marvellous  in  the  Bible  may  be  drawn  Irom  the  re- 
markable resemblance  between  the  marvellous  in  it  and 


MEMOm   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  443 

the  marvellous  in  the  religious  history  and  systems  of  the 
ancient  heathen  world." 

*'  Who  can  question  the  importance  of  some  work  which 
shall  bring  within  a  moderate  compass  a  comparative  view 
of  the  leading  principles  and  facts  of  the  Bible,  and  of  all 
the  false  religions  of  earth,  showing  that  the}'  had  the 
same  origin,  but  how,  under  the  latter,  men  gradually 
turned  the  truth  of  God  into  a  lie,  and  came  to  worship 
the  creature  more  than  the  Creator,  and  at  length  were 
given  up  by  God  fo  all  the  abominations  which  abounded 
in  the  heathen  world," 

During  ''  forty  years  "  he  was  engaged  in  the  fruitless 
effort  to  persuade  some  one  either  in  this  or  the  mother 
country  to  undertake  ''  what  he  thought  himself"  ineom- 
petent  to  execute  in  a  manner  worthy  of  its  great  import- 
ance, lie  adverted  to  it  through  the  press, —  spoke  and 
wrote  to  pious  men,  urging  the  subject  on  their  attention; 
but  in  vain.  When  in  England  he  made  a  special  visit  to 
the  Kev.  Mr.  Faber,  who  has  written  so  learnedly  and 
voluminously  on  the  subject,  to  persuade  him  to  condense  in 
a  small  volume,  for  the  use  of  schools,  the  substance  of 
what  he  had  published  to  the  w^orld,  but  the  years  and  in- 
creasing intirmities  of  that  venerable  man  and  most  useful 
author  forbade  the  attempt. 

"  Disappointed  in  all  my  efforts  of  help  fi'om  others,  and 
feeling  that  old  age  and  infirmities  might  soon  unfit  me 
even  for  the  attemi)t  at  something  which  I  had  so  long 
deemed  important,  I  hope  that  my  presumption  may  not 
seem  greater  than  my  zeal,  if  I  make  an  humble  experi- 
ment myself." 

In  a  letter  to  the  Assistant  Bishop,  dated  Millwood,  Jan- 
uary 26,  1859,  he  wrote  : 

"After  attempting  for  forty  years  and  more  to  get  some 
one  in  England  or  America  to  do  it,  I  have  at  last  begun 
on  my  book,  '  The  Bible  and  the  Classics,'  which  engrosses 
my  time  and  my  thoughts.     I  think  I  can,  in  this  and  the 


444  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

next  winter,  prepare  a  duodecimo  volume  of  four  hundred 
pages,  tract  type,  whicli  will  be  of  some  service  in  Chris- 
tian schools,  having  primarily  in  view  our  High  School." 

"1  have  collected  in  these  forty  years  about  forty  or 
fifty  volumes,  folio,  quarto  and  octavo,  bearing  on  the  sub- 
ject." 

In  the  list  of  books  which  he  consulted  during  the  ]3re- 
paration  of  his  book,  he  enumerates  more  than  a  hundred 
volumes,  a  goodly  proportion  of  them  folios  and  quartos. 

Extract  from  another  letter,  dated, February  15,  1859: 
"  I  am  in  the  midst  of  folios,  quartos,  etc.,  and  my  clothes 
show  much  of  their  old  dust ;  but  am  deeply  interested 
in  my  work.  About  six  hours  a  day  I  devote  to  it;  I  can 
do  nothing  at  night."  This  was  owing  to  the  weakness 
of  his  eyes,  to  which  through  life  he  was  subject.  And 
then,  his  general  health  had  now  become  so  impaired,  that 
he  was  liable  to  frequent  attacks  similar  to  that  which  he 
alludes  in  the  following  letter  : 

MiLwooD,  Sunday  morn,  April  10,  1859. 
"  My  Dear  Brother  : 

I  had  hoped  by  to-morrow's  mail,  to  have  specified  a  day  on  which 
you  might  expect  me,  but  Providence  orders  it  otherwise,  and  1  submit, 
not  doubting  but  that  all  is  for  the  best.     My  cough  is  such  that  T  cannot 
utter  even  the  few  words  of  grace  at  table,  without  being  certainly  ar- 
rested by  it ;  so  that  even  if  I  were,  in  other  respects,  in  a  condition  for  it, 
I  could  not  propose  to  question  the  class.     But  besides  this,  I  have  now 
been  housed  for  four  weeks,  except  little  walks  about  the  place  on  good 
days,  and  am  very  weak  and  without  appetite,  and,  of  course,  most  lia- 
ble, by  any  undue  effort  or  exposure,  to  be  made  worse.     Duty,  therefore, 
seems  to  require  that  I  remain  where  I  am  as  long  as  possible,  and  gain 
the  largest  amount  of  health  that  Providence  may  think  best  to  afford  me. 
I  begin  to  fear  that  most  of  my  appointments  between  this  and  Conven- 
tion may  be  unfulfilled  ;  but  I  shall  not  despair,  or  withdraw  them  un- 
til it  shall  appear  indispensable.     I  shall  still  cherish  the  hope  of  being 
with  you  and  the  class,  at  least  the  last  two  days  of  this  week,  for  I  am 
very  anxious  to  see  you,  and  be  with  it  a  few  days.     I  am  very  glad  lo  see 
you  are  about  to  spend  several  days  of  next  week  in  Fredericksburg.     If 
the  weather  permits,  and  I  am  able,  I  shall  come  to  Mr.  Lee's  one  day, 
and  you  will  see  me  out  the  next  morning. 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  445 

I  am  somewhat  encouraged  to  hope  for  improvement,  from  the  fact  that 
last  night,  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  warm  applications  internal  and  ex- 
ternal, I  had  a  more  comfortable  night  than  I  have  enjoyed  for  some  time. 
These  have  been  before  tried,  but  without  effect. 

Love  to  your  household. 

Yours  truly, 

W.  Meade." 

It  is  difficult  to  imagine  the  resolution  which,  at  his 
advanced  age,  and  Avith  his  many  bodil}^  infirmities,  not 
only  carried  him  through  his  regular  services,  as  Bishop 
and  Professor,  but  determined  him  to  attempt  the  prepa- 
ration of  a  work  requiring  so  much  labor  and  research, 
and  to  persevere  to  its  successful  completion.  Xo  one 
would  suppose  that  it  had  not  been  composed  in  his  prime, 
and  as  his  agreeable  employment  in  seasons  of  professional 
leisure.  It  was,  indeed,  a  striking  fulfilment  of  the  pro- 
mise to  the  righteous — "He  shall  bring  forth  fruit  in  old 
age." 

-     DEVOTIONAL  AND  OTHER  PAPERS. 

"What  man   knoweth  the   things  of  a  man  save  the 
spirit   of  man   which  is  in  him."      But  if  the  spirit  of  a 
man  has  manifested  what  is  in  him  by  briefly  recorded 
meditations — written  rules  for  personal  government — and 
has   expressed  his  aspirations  in  written  forms  of  devo- 
tion for  his  private  use,  and  if  these  drafts  were  evidently 
penned  only  for  the  individual's  own  eye,  the  experience 
so  disclosed  is  a  most  reliable  exponent  of  character. — 
There   are  but  few  documents  of  this  description  in  the 
handwriting  of  Bishop  Meade.     These  are  found  in  three 
little  unbound  books,  of  which  they  occupy  but  a  small 
part,  and  are  penned  in  a  manner  so  unstudied  as,  in  addi- 
tion to  their  own  nature,  to  indicate  that  they  were  pre- 
pared exclusively  for  himself     There  is,  however,  nothing 
in  them  which  it  would  now  be  improper  to  publish,  and, 
as  they  furnish  a  very  interesting  revelation  of  his  mind, 
and  heart,  and  conscience,  which  may  be  instructive  and 
otherwise  useful  to  many,  there  would  be  no  excuse  for 
omitting  them  in  this  Memoir. 


446  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

The  first  extract  was  evidently  written  immediately  after 
the  heavy  affliction  to  which  it  refers. 

"  This  little  book  was  gotten  by  me  in  Norfolk,  for  my 
beloved  Thomasia,  the  winter  before  her  death,  at  her 
particular  request.  She  designed  writing  something  for 
me  in  it,  but  was  too  unwell  to  do  it  without  pain. 

"  I  will  try  and  make  a  good  use  of  it  by  writing  such 
things  as  may  do  my  soul  good. 

"  I  have  found  peculiar  comfort  in  my  present  sorrows 
at  her  loss,  and  in  my  apprehensions  for  myself  in  the 
future  part  of  my  life,  by  that  promise  of  our  Lord,  '  as 
thy  days  so  shall  thy  strength  be.'  God  will,  in  answer 
to  faithful  prayer,  comfort  me,  and  enable  me  to  honor 
Him  all  my  life,  most  assuredly ;  that  is,  if  the  Gospel  be 
true — and  it  is  true." 

"  Henceforth  let  me  divide  self  from  my  heart,  and  have 
neither  love  nor  resentment  but  for  others.  I  would  be 
no  man's  enemy,  but  the  brother  of  all  mankind.  Nothing 
now  binds  me  to  life  but  tlie  desire  to  do  some  good,  I 
have  nothing  to  do  with  this  world,  but  as  I  am  the  in- 
strument of  good  to  others." 

"  Things  in  which  I  ought  to  be  very  particular  and 
conscientious : 

1.  In  not  exaggerating,  but  always  being  moderate  in 
language. 

2.  In  all  parts  of  my  duty  as  guardian,  in  feeling  and 
speaking  tenderly  towards  the  mother  and  children. 

3.  In  the  judicious  and  liberal  appropriation  of  my 
property.     Bemember  Annanias  and  Sapphira. 

4.  In  obtaining  a  command  over  myself,  positively  re- 
fusing and  turning  away  from  things  improper,  though  so 
in  a  slight  degree,  thus  acquiring  a  habit  of  self-denial. 

5.  In  expressive  silence,  or  speaking  in  love  and  to  edi- 
fication. 

6.  In  the  constant  prayer,  "  Set  a  guard,  O  Lord,  before 
my  mouth,  and  keep  the  doors  of  my  lips." 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  447 

7.  In  always  remembering  my  high  and  holy  office,  and 
what  feelings,  words,  looks  and  deeds  become  me  in  it. 

8.  In  a  constant  watchfulness  against  inattention  and 
wandering  in  prayer,  public  or  private." 

"  In  what  state  of  mind  I  ought  to  be  towards  God  and 
man." 

I  ought  to  be  "  careful  for  nothing,  but  in  everything, 
by  prayer  and  thanksgiving,  make  my  requests  known 
unto  God,"  '  learning,  in  whatsoever  state  lam,  therewith 
to  be  content ;'  doing  all  the  good  I  can  during  the  time 
being,  and  under  present  circumstances,  leaving  the  issue 
to  God." 

"  E'en  be  content  with  God." 

I  would  let  nothing  interfere  with  kind  feelings  to  all 
men,  and  yet  not  confound  good  and  bad  together. 

"  I  would  not  be  uneasy  as  to  what  may  happen  in 
Church  or  State,  to  myself  or  family,  but  trust  in  Provi- 
dence. '  The  Lord  reigneth.'  *  The  right  hand  of  the 
Lord  hath  the  pre-eminence.' 

"  Our  bodies  are  required  by  our  Lord  to  be  temples  of 
jhe  Holy  Ghost." 

We  may  know  how  pure  and  holy  they  should  be  kept 
by  seeing  how  clean  and  undefiled  the  temple  was  required 
to  be ;  and,  although  beasts  were  slain  and  blood  shed  and 
sprinkled,  and  the  bodies  roasted  and  boiled,  it  is  said  to 
have  been  the  purest  place  in  Jerusalem, 

Let  us  learn  hence  not  only  to  keep  our  bodies  washed 
with  pure  water,  and  our  persons  and  clothes  neat  and 
clean,  but  honor  our  bodies  as  God's  temples,  by  letting 
no  unclean  thought  lodge  there ;  by  indulging  no  forbidden 
lusts ;  by  no  kind  of  intemperance  in  eating,  drinking  or 
sleeping,  or  any  other  animal  enjoyments,  which  might 
defile  the  body,  injure  the  soul,  or  offend  and  grieve  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

•'Through  faith  in  the  Son  of  God,  and  in  true  repentance, 


448  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.     . 

I  desire  to  go  forth  each  day  as  Milton's  angel  bid  our  first 
parents  go  forth  from  Paradise,  "though  sorrowing,  yet 
in  peace,  by  reason  of  the  promised  seed. 

''  '  The  rule  of  not  too  much  by  temperance  taught, 

'  In  what  thou  eatest  and  drinkest ;  seeking  from  thence 

'  Due  nourishment,  not  gluttonous  delight, 

'  Nor  lose  thy  life  ;    but  what  thou  livest 

'  Live  well ;  how  long  or  short,  permit  to  Heaven.' —  Milton. 

"As  to  my  health  and  ability  to  work  in  my  Lord's 
service,  I  must  take  due  care  of  them,  and  be  content 
with  just  as  much  as  God  allows.  More  might  be  misspent. 
Eesolved  to  speak  as  little  as  possible  of  my  infirmities  of 
body,  or  of  my  trials,  or  of  my  labors,  or  of  my  charities. 
Instead  of  either  thinking  or  speaking  of  them,  let  me 
rather  think  and  speak  of  those  of  others,  or  of  the  duty 
of  laboring  and  suffering  for  Christ." 

"Eesolved  to  think  and  speak  as  little  as  may  consist 
with  duty,  of  the  faults  of  others,  but  when  tempted  to 
do  so,  to  turn  to  my  own  infirmities  and  sins." 

"  If  it  requires  some  time  every  day  to  wash  and  dress 
ourselves,  and  adjust  our  clothes  and  persons,  so  as  to  be 
seen  of  men,  ought  we  to  expect  to  adjust  our  souls  and 
prepare  our  hearts  for  God,  and  for  the  trials  of  life  in  a 
few  moments  of  hurried  prayer  ?" 

"  It  is  good  to  think  of  God  as  a  Father  and  Saviour, 
and  call  up  all  those  feelings  which  affectionate  children 
and  grateful  rescued  friends  have." 

"  I  will  try  in  the  future  and  never  more  be  in  a  hurry 
or  impatient,  but  do  present  things  well — take  all  things 
as  they  come  in  a  right  spirit  —  enjoy  present  things,  and 
not  put  off  happiness  to  the  future.  "All  things  are 
yours,  whether  life  or  death ;  things  present  or  things  to 
come." 

"  Let  me  resolve  on  the  entrance  of  each  day,  and  the 
setting  down  to  each  meal ;  the  taking  of  each  walk  or 
ride  j  the  commencement  of  any  work,  either  of  body  or 


\ 


MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE.  449 

mind  ;  reading  or  writing ;  the  decision  of  any  question  ; 
the  thought  of  any  trouble  —  that  I  will  be  calm,  consid- 
erate, conscientious  ;  trying  to  do  them  right,  as  to  God, 
leaving  events  to  Him,  being  happy  and  content  myself." 

The  different  forms  of  devotional  exercises  which  follow 
were  specially  intended  for  use  on  the  morning  of  the 
Lord's  day.     The  first  in  order  is  headed — 

"  Confession  of  Sin. — "  The  sacrifice  of  God  is  a  broken 
spirit;  a  broken  and  contrite  heart,  O,  God,  Thou  wilt  not 
despise." 

"  How  shall  I  humble  myself  before  the  Lord,  for  my 
sins  and  my  corruptions?  Where  shall  I  begin  with 
those  sins,  which  are  more  in  number  than  the  hairs  of 
my  head  ?" 

After  a  particular  enumeration  in  very  strong  language 
of  the  transgressions  and  delinquencies  with  which  he 
charges  and  for  which  he  judges  himself,  he  closes  thus: 
"  It  must  be  grace  that  '  saves  to  the  uttermost/  which 
can  avail  for  me." 

"  Supplication. — '  Ask  and  ye  shall  receive ;  seek  and  ye 
shall  find ;  knock  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you.'  '  In 
every  thing  by  prayer  and  thanksgiving  let  your  requests 
be  made  known  unto  God.' 

O  that  the  spirit  of  prayer  and  of  supplication  might 
come  down  upon  us !  O  that  I  might  have  the  spirit  of 
Jacob  when  he  wrestled  all  night  with  the  angel,  and 
would  not  let  him  go,  except  he  blessed  him  !  Let  me 
wait  still  upon  God,  until  He  have  mercy  upon  me.  O 
God,  pardon  my  many  offences  which  I  still  commit  against 
Thee  and  my  fellow  beings,  knowing,  and  in  opposition  to 
the  warnings  of  Thy  word,  the  upbraidings  of  my  con- 
science, and  the  voice  of  Thy  Spirit  speaking  in  my  heart. 
For  His  sake,  who  is  our  Advocate  with  Thee,  forgive  and 
blot  them  out  of  Thy  book.  Let  me  have  such  a  sense  of 
Thy  pardoning  love  as  shall  fill  me  with  peace  and  joy, 


450  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

and  make  me  resolve  to  sin  no  more,  knowing  that  I  am 
accounted  Thine.'' 

"  0  Thou  who  hatest  iniquity  with  a  perfect  hatred, 
give  me  to  see  the  evil  of  sin,  that  I  also  may  abhor  it, 
and  be  made  to  see  and  feel  that  it  richly  deserves  what- 
ever Thou  shalt  assign  it  as  its  due  punishment.  O  for  a 
heart  truly  penitent  for  sin  and  ashamed  of  it,  and  hum- 
bled to  the  dust  on  account  of  it.  O  that  I  could  see  it 
as  my  Lord  and  Saviour  on  the  cross  saw  it,  as  the  angels 
of  Heaven  see  it,  and  as  the  demons  of  Hell  feel  it,  that  I 
might  hate  it  and  forsake  it." 

O  that  the  love  and  admiration  of  holiness  might  take 
full  possession  of  my  soul !  O  that  I  might  be  holy  and 
perfect  as  Thou  Lord,  art  holy  and  perfect!" 

Make  me  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within 
me ;  purge  me  with  hyssop  that  my  inward  parts  may  be 
clean.  Wash  me,  that  I  may  be  all  over  whiter  than 
snow. 

O  for  a  more  entire  devotion  to  my  God  and  Saviour, 
an  eye  singly  directed  to  heaven,  doing  all  to  the  glory 
of  God,  living,  not  for  myself,  but  for  my  fellow  beings, 
seeking  to  bless  them  by  extending  the  Redeemer's  king- 
dom. 

O  that  God,  by  His  spirit  of  love  would  drive  out  of 
my  heart  the  spirit  of  selfishness  which  is  so  deej)ly 
rooted  there,  which  is  ever  springing  up  amidst  all  my 
thoughts,  and  mingling  itself  with  all  my  actions,  so  that 
I  scarce  know  whether  I  do  anything  for  the  love  of  God 
or  man. 

O  for  a  calm  and  quiet  state  of  mind  which  is  entirely 
satisfied  after  having  done  its  duty,  to  leave  all  in  the 
hands  of  God,  and  never  be  uneasy  at  any  disappoint- 
ments. 

O  for  more  pure  and  ardent  affection  towards  my  fellow 
beings,  desiring  and  seeking  their  eternal  welfare. 

O  for  more  undoubting  and  enlightened  faith,  clearer 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  451 

and  stronger  views  of  the  great  doctrines  of  religion  — 
more  knowledge  and  love  of  Jesus  Christ,  more  depend- 
ence upon  the  spirit  of  grace,  more  lively  hope,  more  joy- 
ful anticipation  of  Heaven. 

"  O  for  more  self-command,  and  self-denial ;  a  better 
government  of  my  thoughts  and  feelings,  all  my  appetites, 
so  that  all  may  at  once  obey  when  my  conscience,  instructed 
by  Thy  word,  shall  give  its  directions.  '  Set  a  guard 
before  my  mouth,  and  keep  the  doors  of  my  lips,'  that 
nothing  improper  may  ever  escape  me.  May  my  tongue 
bless  God,  and  speak  no  evil  of  man,  but  rather  speak  in 
love  unto  edification.  May  my  heart  ever  abound  in  love, 
so  that  my  mouth  may  speak  kind  words  without  dissim- 
ulation." 

"  O  that  I  could  ever  feel  what  I  preach,  and  thus  speak 
from  the  deep  of  my  heart.  O  for  the  true  spirit  of  my 
high  and  holy  office;  a  spirit  rising  above  all  trivial  and 
selfish  considerations ;  a  spirit  of  holy  zeal  for  God's 
glory,  of  tender  affection  for  all  the  brethren,  a  largeness 
of  soul  towards  the  whole  Church  of  God,  and  the  whole 
family  of  man.  A  spirit  of  candor,  sincerity,  firmness 
and  true  courage ;  a  spirit  of  martyrs  and  confessors, 
which  is  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent,  to  live  and  die  for 
Christ's  sake." 

"  O  that  Christ  himself  might  dwell  more  and  more  in 
my  heart,  that  I  were  more  intimately  acquainted  with 
Him;  that  all  my  actions  proceeded  more  from  gratitude 
to  Him ;  that  my  sermons  and  exhortations  were  more 
deeply  imbued  with  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  so  that  I  might, 
like  the  Apostles,  know  no  other  among  men  than  Jesus 
Christ  and  Him  crucified.'^ 

"  O  that  God  would  enlighten  my  mind  to  know  what  is 
right,  that  I  might  be  able  not  only  to  do  my  duty,  but 
to  give  an  answer  to  them  who  ask  counsel  of  me. 

"  O  that  I  could  live  more  as  one  who  is  soon  to  die, 
preparing  to  meet  my  God  by  dying  daily  to  things  of 
3  and  living  to  those  of  eternity. 


452  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

"  O  God,  assist  me  by  Thy  grace  to  be  more  punctual  and 
earnest  and  particular  in  praying  and  reading  Thy  holy 
word ;  to  be  more  watchful  over  my  thoughts,  words  and 
actions  ;  more  given  to  meditation  on  holy  subjects." 

"  Grant  unto  me  a  more  tender  and  charitable  heart  to- 
wards others ;  one  which  hopeth  all  things,  which  covereth 
a  multitude  of  sins,  suifereth  long,  and  is  kind,'' 

"  O  God,  how  near  am  I  oftentimes  to  sin,  seeing  that  I 
have  no  power  of  myself  to  resist  temptation.  O  be  with 
me  in  the  hour  of  trial,  and  save  me  from  disgrace  and 
ruin." 

Intercession. — "Pray  one  for  another."  "The  eifectual, 
fervent  prayer  of  the  righteous  availeth  much." 

O !  merciful  God,  who  hast  chosen  to  bestow  Thy  good 
and  perfect  gifts,  not  merely  through  the  intercession  of 
Thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  but  even  through  the  prayers  of 
poor  sinful  beings,  one  for  another ;  enable  me  with  strong 
faith  and  desire  to  come  before  Thee  at  this  time,  implor- 
ing Thee,  for  our  great  Redeemer's  sake,  to  grant  the 
blessings  which  I  ask  for  those  whose  welfare  ought  to  be 
very  dear  unto  my  soul.  O !  for  that  spirit  which  fell  on 
Thy  servant,  Abraham,  when  he  took  it  upon  him  to  speak 
unto  the  Lord ! 

For  my  Children  and  Grandchildren. — O !  Heavenly 
Father,  since  it  has  pleased  Thee  to  grant  unto  Thy  ser- 
vant's children  and  children's  children  with  immortal 
souls,  which  must  live  forever  in  bliss  or  woe,  first  and 
ever  let  me  pray  that  Thou  wouldst  be  a  Father  unto 
them  all,  blessing  them  on  earth,  and  providing  a  place  in 
heaven  for  them. 

Keep  them  from  all  evil,  especially  from  sin.  Prosper 
them  in  all  their  earthly  pursuits  just  as  far  as  may  be 
good  for  their  never-dying  souls.  May  they  find  favor  in 
Thy  sight,  and  in  the  sight  of  all  men. 

Bless,  especially,  that  dear  son  who  is  serving  Thee  in 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  453 

the  Sanctuary.  Give  him  grace  to  be  diligent  in  all  his 
preparations  for  the  pulpit,  and  holy,  zealous,  faithful  and 
prudent  in  all  his  labors,  and  may  many  souls  be  his 
wages. 

And  O!  Grod  of  grace,  hear  me  in  behalf  of  that  child 
of  many  prayers,  whose  heart  is  yet  unchanged.  Send 
Thy  converting  spirit  into  his  soul,  and  save  him  ere  he  be 
hardened  in  the  ways  of  this  world.  Keep  him  from  evil 
communications,  and  lead  him  in  the  paths  of  righteous- 
ness. O  !  God,  hast  thou  not  one  blessing  more  ?  One  for 
this,  my  only  child,  who  is  yet  living  without  a  saving 
faith  in  Thy  dear  Son.  O !  for  a  speedy  blessing  from 
Heaven,  lest  he  be  suddenly  taken  away  from  me,  and 
without  hope ! 

For  the  Families  of  my  Deceased  Brethren. — And  next,  O ! 
God,  let  me  pray  for  those  families,  who,  by  Thy  Provi- 
dence, have  been  bereaved  of  their  chief  protectors  and 
rulers  on  earth.  O !  Thou  Husband  of  the  widow,  and 
Father  of  the  fatherless,  watch  over  and  bless  them  all. 
Give  wisdom  and  firmness  to  the  mothers,  that  they  may 
guide  their  children  with  discretion,  and  train  them  up  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  Be  a  Father 
unto  them,  and  as  they  grow  in  age,  so  may  they  grow  in 
grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ.  Oh,  save  them 
from  the  snares  and  temptations  which  are  all  around,  and 
especially,  from  evil  companions.  Give  me  grace  ever  to 
feel  for  them  and  consult  for  them  as  though  they  were 
my  own  children. 

^^  For  my  God-Children. — And  since  I  have  united  in  the 
solemn  act  of  presenting  unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  in  the  ordi- 
nance of  baptism,  a  number  of  immortal  beings  for  whom 
I  am  especially  bound  to  care  and  pray,  I  do  here  most 
earnestly  beseech  Thy  blessing  upon  them.  However 
negligent  others  may  be  of  them — do  Thou  send  Thine 


454  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

invisible  Spirit  into  their  hearts,  and  prepare  them  for  a 
contest  with  this  world  of  sin.  O !  may  they  have  grace 
to  renew  at  an  early  age,  their  baptismal  vows,  and  be  a 
comfort  to  parents,  and  friends,  and  blessings  to  mankind. 
And  may  I  have  grace  to  perform  all  that  rests  on  me. 

"  For  the  Church  in  Virginia  and  its  ministers. 

"  O,  Thou  great  Head  of  the  Church  which  Thou  hast 
purchased  with  Thine  own  blood,  since  Thou  hast  been 
pleased  to  h©nor  Thine  unworthy  servant  with  a  charge 
of  a  portion  of  Thy  vineyard,  grant  him  the  needed  grace 
to  tend  it,  so  that  it  may  yield  much  fruit  to  Thine  honor 
and  glory.  Thou  hast  been  very  gracious  to  this  once 
barren  wilderness — be  yet  more  gracious,  and  bless  it  more 
abundantly.  May  the  care  of  all  the  Churches  be  ever  on 
my  heart  before  Thee.  May  my  trust  ever  be  in  the  Lord, 
to  supply  them  with  faithful  ministers,  and  to  bless  their 
labors.  May  I  ever  feel  as  a  brother  to  each  one,  exhort- 
ing, counselling  and  encouraging  them.  01  God,  let  no 
reproach  rest  upon  Thy  Church  because  of  the  unworthi- 
ness  of  Thy  minister  or  members.  May  they  all  walk 
worthy  of  their  high  vocation ;  fill  them  with  zeal  for 
Thy  truth  and  make  them  to  abound  in  good  works.  May 
brotherly  love  bind  all  our  hearts  together.  Bless  our  con- 
ventions and  associations,  and  the  visits  of  Thy  servants 
the  chief  pastors  more  and  more.  May  this  Diocese  be, 
deservedly,  a  praise  to  Thee  among  the  Churches  of  our 
land. 

Bless  our  Seminary  for  training  up  faithful  ministers. 
May  its  teachers  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with 
wisdom.  Put  it  into  the  hearts  of  more  and  more  of  our 
young  men  to  covet  the  work  of  the  ministry.  Draw  to 
Thy  ministers  should  labor.  Enlarge  my  heart  in  love  to 
all  of  every  name,  and  of  every  character,  and  teach  me 
how  to  make  the  best  use  of  all  the  talents  committed  to 
my  trust.  Lord,  what  am  I,  or  what  my  father's  house, 
that  I  should  be  able  to  serve  Thee  thus? 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  455 

"  For  the  whole  Church  and  all  Mankind. — Kor  pray  I  for 
these  alone,  but  for  all,  by  whatever  name  they  be  called, 
throughout  this  land,  and  every  land. 

Bless  the  Bishops  and  other  ministers  of  the  Church,  in 
which  Thy  servant  labors,  in  this,  and  all  other  lands. 
May  their  souls  be  knit  together  in  love  and  holy  zeal. 
May  they  agree  in  the  truth  of  Thy  holy  word  and  preach 
faithfully  and  live  holily,  and  exercise  the  godly  discipline 
of  the  Church  wisely  and  firmly.  O!  God,  if  there  be  any 
who  now  do  Thy  work  deceitfully,  and  preach  not  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  show  them  their  awful  guilt  and 
danger,  and  let  not  immortal  souls  perish  in  their  hands. 
Thyself  the  hearts  of  parents  and  ministers  in  prayer  for 
such  a  blessing  on  the  young.  O !  that  God  would  endue 
all  parents  with  more  wisdom  and  firmness,  that  they 
might  command  their  households  after  them. 

Bless  all  the  citizens  and  christians  of  this  State,  and 
make  me  an  instrument  of  good,  in  every  way  wherein 

O  God,  raise  up  faithful  ministers  for  every  part  of  Thy 
Church  in  these  United  States,  and  when  Bishops  are  to 
be  chosen  to  govern,  may  they  be  men  of  faith  and  zeal 
as  the  apostles  were.  Look  in  mercy  on  our  whole  land, 
but  especially  visit  with  Thy  mighty  power,  the  increasing 
millions  of  the  West.  Increase  and  multiply  among  them 
zealous  and  faithful  preachers  of  the  gospel,  who  may  re- 
buke vice,  and  resist  the  torrent  of  iniquity  which  is 
sweeping  through  the  land. 

Bless  our  rulers  with  true  wisdom  from  on  high,  and  let 
them  be  men  fearing  God.  O  1  let  this  great  people  whom 
Thou  hast  blessed  above  all  lands,  be  a  j^eculiar  people 
unto  Thee,  zealous  of  good  works,  a  mighty  instrument  in 
Thy  hands  for  consummating  all  Thy  glorious  designs 
towards  our  fallen  race. 

Bless  all  societies  for  the  promotion  of  religion  and  vir- 
tue, and  the  suppression  of  vice  through  our  land.  Let 
them  be  wisely  and  zealously  conducted,  nor  ever  cease 


456  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

their  labors  because  of  the  scorn  or  ridicule  of  the  luke- 
warm and  impious. 

Especially  bless  all  the  efforts  made  for  sending  the  gos- 
pel into  heathen  lands,  and  to  the  fallen  Churches  of 
Christendom.  O  !  for  an  increase  of  that  zeal  which  first 
preached  the  gospel  throughout  the  then  known  world. 
O !  for  the  spirit  of  martyrs  and  confessors,  to  animate  our 
souls  in  this  glorious  cause !  O  !  for  hearts  of  love  to  per- 
ishing sinners,  and  souls  of  holy  zeal  for  the  glory  of  the 
Lord!  May  the  liberality  of  Christians  be  greatly  in- 
creased toward  the  heathen ;  and  the  number  of  mission- 
aries be  multiplied  a  thousand-fold.  Especially  may  the 
efforts  made  by  members  of  our  Church  in  this  land  be  en- 
larged more  and  more,  and  the  hearts  of  the  people  be 
opened  towards  them. 

Bless  our  dear  brethren  and  sisters  who  are  laboring  in 
foreign  lands.  May  the  abundance  of  Thy  grace  rest 
upon  them,  and  fill  them  with  a  joy  and  peace  which  will 
comfort  them  under  every  trial.  O!  grant  an  increase  to 
what  they  plant  and  water,  and  may  their  labors  be  very 
effectual  in  bringing  about  the  happy  period  when  all  the 
world  shall  call  upon  the  name  of  the  true  God  and  Saviour. 
O !  Let  the  time  to  favor  Zion  come.  May  the  nations 
which  have  forsaken  the  Lord  return  unto  Him.  From 
the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same, 
may  Thy  name  be  great  among  the  heathen,  and  the 
knowledge  of  the  Lord  cover  the  whole  earth,  as  the 
waters  do  the  great  deep.  Thus,  may  Thy  Kingdom  come 
and  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  even  as  it  is  done  in 
Heaven.  Grant  it!  O!  God,  for  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ's 
sake." 

The  preceding  rules  of  living,  and  forms  of  private 
prayer,  affectingly  disclose  the  noble  Christian  principles, 
and  the  elevated  devotion  of  the  writer.  And  it  may  be 
presumed,  that  no  one  competent  to  judge,  can  consider 
what  has  been  exhibited,  without  the  highest  admiration 


MEMOIR    OP    BISHOP    MEADE.  457 

of  his  religious  experience  and  character,  and  true  love 
for  the  excellent  grace  of  heavenly  charity  which  ani- 
mated his  devotions  towards  God,  and  kej)t  his  heart  warm 
towards  men. 

DECLINE  or  HEALTH — APPOINTMENT  OF  ASSISTANT  BISHOP 

OCCURRENCE  AT  LAWRENCEVILLE CONSECRATION 

OF  SEMINARY  BUILDINGS. 

Few  persons  have  been  blessed  with  a  more  vigorous 
constitution  than  Bishop  Meade.  This  he  never  spared, 
but  rather  imposed  upon  it,  and  sometimes  to  a  degree 
beyond  what  a  reasonable  regard  for  health  justified. — 
How  he  accustomed  himself  to  endure  hardness  as  a  good 
soldier  of  Christ,  is  related  by  one  of  his  daughters-in- 
law,  who  long  formed  one  of  his  family  at  Mountain 
Yiew. 

"At  the  time  I  was  married  and  came  to  this  house,  or 
rather  the  old  house,  since  burnt,  his  habit  was  to  walk 
miles  between  four  o'clock,  of  a  winter  morning,  and  the 
rising  of  the  sun.  Then  to  the  family  prayers  with  cheer- 
fulness, and  a  hearty  aj)petite  for  his  breakfast.  Once  an 
humble  neighbor  of  ours  asked  me,  '  Does  the  old  Parson 
walk  and  ride  in  all  weather  as  he  used  to  do?'  I  replied, 
'Yes,  he  goes  to  Winchester  by  church-time,  the  very  cold- 
est Sunday  morning.'  She  then  remarked,  'The  earliest 
recollection  I  have  of  anything  is  of  the  Parson,^  as  we 
used  to  call  him,  then,  'coming  in  on  his  way  to  Winchester 
to  preach.  My  father  lived  on  the  road  side ;  he  would  say, 
if  the  weather  was  cold,  '  Make  up  a  good  fire,  for  the 
Parson  will  be  here  to  warm  soon.'  And  sure  enough,  he 
seemed  to  me,  a  little  child,  to  come  oftenest  when  the 
weather  was  violently  cold  or  snowing.  He  used  to  bring 
us  little  ones  apples  in  his  big  coat  pockets.' 

"  I  recollect  stopping  at  a  toll  gate  on  the  Blue  Eidge 
mountains  once.     The  keeper  of  the  gate  asked  Mr.  M. 
are  you  Bishop  Meade's  son?"     On  his  replying  in  the 
20 


458  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

affirmative,  ^'  Oh,"  said  he,  ''  then  you  must  drink  some  of 
my  spring-water,  for  your  father  has  done  so  for  forty 
years."  The  old  man  then  said,  "  the  Parson  used  to  ride 
on  horseback  to  Alexandria,  when  it  was  too  cold  for  any 
human  being  to  turn  out."  "  Once  he  did  it  when  the 
mail  rider  was  frozen  to  death  on  this  very  road.  We 
inquired  of  the  Bishop  whether  this  was  true  ?  He  said 
*  Yes,  and  I  remember  stopping  to  warm  at  that  toll  house 
on  my  way.'  '  It  was  to  meet  an  appointment ;  the  sleet 
was  so  heavy  I  had  to  protect  myself  by  tying  my  silk 
handkerchief  over  my  face,  and  I  would  frequently  take 
it  off  and  shake  it.'  '  I  would  not  advise  others  to  do  as 
I  did,  but  I  thought  it  right.' '' 

Some  years  ago  the  last  of  February  was  made  memor- 
able by  the  deepest  snow  ever  seen  in  our  neighborhood. 
After  breakfast,  (the  storm  over,)  to  our  surprise  the  men 
were  brought  and  pieces  of  plank  and  timber  were  taken 
into  the  garden,  where  the  soft  snow,  which  was  very  deep, 
was  shovelled  out  of  the  way,  post  holes  dug,  and  a  trellis 
for  the  grape  vines  was  put  up  before  night,  when  the 
rest  of  our  neighbors  were  frightened  and  unable  to  think 
of  any  work,  beyond  feeding  the  animals  and  keeping 
good  fires.  Often  would  we  think,  after  a  whole  day  spent 
out  of  doors  on  the  damp  earth  in  thin  shoes,  that  'an  ill- 
ness would  follow,  but  he  would  escape  with  a  headache 
or  cold,  not  sufficient  to  shut  him  up.'' 

Bishop  Meade  said  that  for  a  large  part  of  his  life  it 
was  only  by  a  sense  of  hunger  that  he  knew  of  having  a 
stomach,  and  as  to  nerves,  he  knew  nothing  of  their  exist- 
ence from  his  own  experience.  The  various  ailments 
which  would  now  be  considered  as  different  forms  of  neu- 
ralgia, he  was  disposed  to  regard  as  imaginary,  and  when  a 
minister  was  given  to  complaining  of  fatigue  from  his  pro- 
fessional services,  and  to  be  economical  of  himself  in  his 
ministrations,  he  was  apt  to  think  the  infirmity  more 
moral  than  physical ;  not  so  much  corporeal  feebleness  as 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  459 

indolence,  which  found  no  favor  with  him.  But  then  his 
own  iron  frame  and  nerves  of  steel  were  not  impassible. 
His  hale  constitution  honored  without  remonstrance  the 
constant  and  heavy  drafts  made  upon  it,  and  allowed  the 
account  to  run  on  for  a  long  time.  At  last,  however,  pay- 
ment began  to  be  exacted,  and  it  was  some  five  and  twenty 
years,  with  varying  indulgence,  before  the  final  settlement. 
He  now  learned  what  it  is  to  pass  painful  days  and  restless 
nights  ;  to  have  to  spare  himself  in  the  work  of  the  study, 
and  in  the  services  of  the  sanctuary  ;  to  be  obliged  to  re- 
cognize and  accommodate  himself  to  infirmities  of  which 
in  others  he  had  been  incredulous,  and  sometimes,  per- 
haps, impatient.  He  never,  indeed,  backed  an  inch  beyond 
what  he  was  forced  to  surrender,  and  often  by  persisting 
when  he  should  have  yielded,  suffered  and  lost  more  than 
was  needful,  till  sad  experience  disciplined  his  brave  spirit 
to  a  right  understanding  of  the  policy  proper  for  one  who 
is- partially  disabled. 

With  the  first  serious  impression  of  disease  upon  his 
system,  he  adopted  the  opinion  that  his  heart  was  organ- 
ically affected,  and  referred  all  his  ailments  to  this  derange- 
ment, which  he  expected  would,  sooner  or  later,  suddenly 
terminate  his  life. 

Whereever  the  seat  of  his  malady  may  have  been,  its 
distressing  influence  extended  to  his  nervous  system 
generally,  and  at  times  to  his  head,  with  a  painfulness 
that  drove  sleep  from  his  eyes  and  interfered  with  his  or- 
dinary duties.  Yet  he  persevered  in  his  long  and  fatigu- 
ing visitations. 

In  1841,  both  his  friends  and  himself  perceived  that  some 
intermission  of  his  labors  was  indispensable,  and  in  his 
address  to  the  Convention  of  that  year,  after  a  narrative 
of  the  services  which  he  had  been  enabled  to  perform,  he 
thus  alluded  to  his  own  case : 

"  Perhaps  it  may  not  be  improper  to  add  that  they  have 
been  performed  with  less  comfort  of  body  than  those  of 


460  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE 

any  previous  period,  and  that  at  some  times  I  have  been 
seriously  admonished  of  infirmities  which,  except  duly 
attended  to,  might  bring  my  ministry  to  a  close  at  a  period 
earlier  than  might  otherwise  be.  God  has  in  times  past 
been  truly  gracious  in  giving  me  a  readiness  of  utterance 
which  made  the  preaching  of  the  Word  and  other  services, 
for  the  most  part  easy  and  delightful.  During  the  last 
twelve  years,  with  the  exception  of  that  just  ended,  my 
health  seemed  to  have  increased  with  the  increasing  duties 
devolved  upon  me,  so  that  with  considerable  comfort  I 
have  engaged  in  the  performance  of  ministerial  duties, 
more  or  less  various,  and  extended  during  at  least  two- 
thirds  of  the  days  of  each  year.  This,  indeed,  was 
actuall}^  required,  in  order  to  meet  the  reasonable  wishes 
and  wants  of  the  brethren  and  their  congregations  in  re- 
gard to  Episcopal  services,  for  such  is  the  number  and  dis- 
tance of  the  congregations  to  be  visited  in  this  large  Dio- 
cese, that  even  with  the  frequent  services  mentioned,  I 
have  not  been  able  to  visit  the  congregations  once  in  two 
years.  From  my  present  feelings,  I  fear  that  should  it 
please  Providence  to  continue  my  ministry  for  a  number 
of  years,  I  shall  scarcely  be  able  to  go  beyond  a  triennial 
visitation.  By  a  more  leisurely  movement  from  place  to 
place,  and  by  availing  myself  more  of  the  aid  of  my 
brethren  in  the  ministry,  I  hope  while  life  is  continued  to 
render  some  service  to  our  beloved  Church  in  Yirginia. 
During  the  present  season  I  have  before  me  four  or  five 
months  of  duty  which  I  am  anxious  to  perform,  and  shall 
postpone  most  reluctantly;  but  the  wishes  of  relatives,  and 
friends,  and  brethren,  coinciding  with  my  own  conviction 
of  what  is  due  to  Providence,  induce  me  to  ask  of  the 
Convention  a  release  from  the  same,  or  rather  the  post- 
ponement of  it  for  a  season.  Perhaps  the  relaxation  from 
eifort  at  this  time,  may  strengthen  me  the  more  for  the 
performance  of  such  duties  as  lie  before  me  in  years  that 
are  to  come. 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  461 

Commending  our  beloved  brethren  and  friends  to  the 
protection  of  Heaven, 

I  remain, 
Your  faithful  brother  in  Christ, 

William  Meade." 
Journal^  1841. 

The  response  of  the  Convention  at  the  close  of  the  Re- 
port of  the  Committee  upon  the  state  of  the  Church  : 

"  In  fine,  as  our  Eight  Reverend  Assistant  Bishop,  in  a 
state  of  health  greatly  impaired  by  his  unwearied  and  ex- 
hausting labors,  is  about  to  travel  abroad  in  pursuit  of 
more  vigorous  health,  affection  and  duty  concur  in  prompt- 
ing us  to  invoke  uj)on  him  the  Divine  blessing,  and  re- 
commend him  to  the  special  protection  of  Almighty  God, 
and  to  pray  that  with  reinvigorated  health  and  strength. 
He  may  in  due  time  restore  him  to  his  loved  duties  and 
his  Diocesan  home.'' 

Just  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention,  as  he 

was  on  his  way  North  to  embark  for  Europe,  he  received 

the  following  beautiful  note,  with  the   gift  to  which  it 

refers : 

Mount  Vernon,  May  23,  1841. 

Will  our  honored  and  beloved  Diocesan  accept  a  staff  cut  from  the  tomb 
of  the  Father  of  our  Country?  and,  should  weariness  come  over  him  during 
his  sojourn  in  a  far  distant  land,  let  this  be  in  his  hand,  and  remind  him 
of  his  country,  where  so  many  affectionate  hearts  put  up  humble  petitions 
to  God,  for  hl6  safety  and  happiness.  And  in  his  prayers  for  those  he 
leaves,  will  he  sometimes  remember 

The  Family  at  Mount  Vernon. 

On  the  first  of  June,  at  3  P.  M.,  he  left  Boston  in  the 
steamer  Caledonia.  On  the  14th  reached  Liverpool,  hav- 
ing made  the  voyage  in  "just  thirteen  days,  lacking  one 
and  a  half  hours,  tarrjang  ten  hours  at  Halifax."  He 
was  absent  from  the  United  States  just  four  months,  his 
return  being  hastened  that  he  might  attend  the  General 
Convention  which  met  in  New  York  the  first  Wednesday 
in  October. 


462  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

During  his  absence  he  visited  the  principal  towns,  the 
Universities,  and  other  places  of  interest,  both  in  England 
and  Scotland,  not  entirely  neglecting  Paris.  In  his  ad- 
dress to  his  Convention,  after  his  return,  alluding  to  the 
partial  services  rendered,  he  adds  :  ''  They  have  been  fewer 
in  number  than  in  any  past  year  through  bodily  indisposi- 
tion, which  led  me  to  ask  (what  was  kindly  granted)  a 
respite  from  labor  during  the  last  summer.  I  need  not  inform 
you  that  the  period  of  relaxation  was  spent  in  a  visit  to 
the  land  and  Church  of  our  fathers.  Having  already,  in  a 
few  brief  letters,  published  in  our  Diocesan  papers,  stated 
the  great  kindness  experienced  while  there,  and  the  satis- 
faction enjoyed  in  witnessing  much  that  came  under 
observation,  mentioning  some  facts  which  might  not  only 
interest  but  edify  my  brethren  and  friends,  I  shall  for- 
bear the  repetition  of  the  same,  except  simply  to  advert  to 
the  wonderful  providence  of  Grod  over  our  mother  Church 
in  times  past,  and  His  great  grace  in  making  her  what  she 
now  is,  in  comparison  with  what  she  has  been.'' 

The  only  memoranda  of  his  "foreign  travel"  are  found 
in  a  small  book  with  this  heading,  "  This  book  was  pre- 
sented to  me  by  my  valued  friend,  Dr.  Milnor,  of  ISTew 
York,  on  leaving  that  city  for  England,  on  the  last  day  of 
May,  1841."  Only  two  of  the  leaves  have  been  used,  and 
on  these  the  entries  are  so  very  brief  and  fragmentary, 
that  though  they  might  aid  the  writer's  recollection,  they 
communicate  little  of  interest  to  a  reader. 

His  reception  by  Bishops  and  other  clergy  and  promi- 
nent laymen  was  most  gratifying.  Wherever  he  went  he 
was  cordially  welcomed  and  hospitably  entertained.  He 
greatly  enjoyed  his  association  with  the  pious  and  intelli- 
gent ministers  and  members  of  the  establishment,  and 
whilst  he  saw  and  heard  occasionally  what  he  did  not 
approve,  there  was  so  much  to  admire  and  love,  that  his 
visit  very  much  increased  his  appreciation  of  the  "  Mother 
Church."     One  or  two  brief  personal  notices  may  be  intro- 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  463 

duced  without  impinging  the  proprieties  of  social  inter- 
course. 

"I  heard  the  Bishop  of  Chester  preach  in  the  Cathedral, 
back  part  of  the  choir,  to  a  good  congregation,  on  Sunday 
evening  at  62  o'clock.  In  the  morning  at  8  he  ordained 
fiftj^-two,  only  using  the  ordination  service,  the  morning 
prayer  and  communion  being  at  11  a.  m.  The  Bishop 
stood  up  while  asking  the  questions,  and  did  not  wait  for 
them  to  kneel  down  and  pray  privately  and  silently  at  a 
certain  place  in  '  the  ordering  of  Priests,'  as  we  do,  but 
simply  called  on  them  to  pray,  and  then  said,  'Come  Holy 
G-host,  Creator,  come,'  &c.  Perhaps  it  was  because  there 
were  none  but  themselves  to  pray." 

I  took  breakfast  with  the  Bishop  of  Chester.  He  had 
all  the  servants  (ten)  in  (to  prayers),  each  with  Bible, 
reading  it  with  him.  He  read  and  expounded,  for  twenty 
minutes,  three  chapters  of  St.  John.  No  baptismal  regen- 
eration in  his  exposition.  He  spoke  during  and  after 
breakfast  on  Oxfordism  —  he,  very  decided. 

Mr.  Eaikes,  his  Yice  Chancellor,  a  tall,  fine-looking, 
amiable  mau — hope  he  will  be  a  Bishop — examiner  of  his 
candidates  first ;  then  the  Bishop  three  days,  from  nine  in 
the  morning  until  ten  at  night ;  intermission  at  dinner ; 
pleased  with  the  appearance  of  the  young  men.^' 

"Mr.  Faber,  small  man,  like  Hartwell  Home.  He  ex- 
pressed to  me  his  views  of  tradition,  very  different  from 
the  Tractarians.  His  provincial  letters  in  the  Churchman 
considers  the  Tractarians  as  Jesuitical,  and  very  unsound 
in  doctrine." 

Mr.  Faber,  and  all  the  clergy  I  have  seen,  live  well — 
high,  I  should  say ;  the  English  certainly  eat  and  drink 
more  than  the  Americans  can  afford  to  do,  either  by 
reason  of  our  purse  or  health." 

Among  the  many  valuable  acquaintances  made  during 
his  visit,  none  was  prized  more  than  the  Eev.  W.  Goode. 
Several  of  his  admirable  works,  on  the  points  involved  in 


464  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

the  Traetarian  controversy,  the  Bishop  imported,  and  had 
reprinted  in  this  country.  Their  sympathy  on  this  exci- 
ting subject  animated  their  Christian  friendship,  and  led  to 
a  correspondence  which  terminated  only  with  the  Bishop's 
life. 

On  the  voyage  home  a  storm  was  encountered,  so 
violent,  that  no  one  supposed  the  vessel  would  survive  it. 
Some  time  after  his  return,  one  of  his  clergy  asked  him 
how  he  felt  when  they  were  expecting  every  moment  to 
go  to  the  bottom?  Instead  of  the  description  of  the 
danger,  and  of  his  fearlessness  and  composure,  which  was 
expected,  his  brief  and  quiet  reply  was,  "You  know  I  was 
never  nervous." 

After  his  return  Bishop  Meade  prepared  for  publication 
in  the  Diocesan  paper,  several  letters,  in  which  he  gives 
his  impression  of  the  countries  through  which  he  had 
passed,  and  the  people  with  whom  he  had  been  associated. 

His  motive  he  states  thus:  I  have  been  encouraged  to 
this  by  the  consideration  that  as  my  brethren  of  the  min- 
istry and  friends  of  the  laity  of  this  Diocese  had  kindly 
consented  to  release  me  from  the  duties  which  would 
have  devolved  upon  me  during  the  summer,  in  order  to 
the  relaxation  and  benefit  of  the  journey  of  which  I  am 
speaking;  I  ought  to  hold  myself  a  debtor  to  them  so  far 
as  to  communicate  any  facts,  hints,  or  suggestions,  which 
might,  by  G-od's  blessing,  be  of  use  to  them  as  a  substitute 
for  the  personal  services  relinquished." 

It  is  to  be  presumed  that  these  instructive  and  interebt- 
ing  letters  will  appear  in  a  volume  with  other  miscella- 
neous writings.  His  preliminary  remark,  therefore,  is  all 
that  need  be  quoted:  "Let  me  at  once  premise  that  I 
return  to  my  own  county  and  State,  Church  and  Diocese, 
with  all  my  attachments  increased,  on  account  of  many 
advantages  which  a  kind  Providence  has  bountifully  lav- 
ished upon  us,  but  of  which  many  of  us  are  not  duly  aware, 
and  for  which  none  of  us  are  sufiiciently  thankful.   And  yet, 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADi:.  465 

at  the  Bame  time,  I  return  with  a  heart  more  disposed  than 
ever  to  love  and  venerate  the  land  and  Church  of  our 
forefathers,  for  all  the  good,  temporal  and  spiritual,  which 
God  has  made  to  abound  therein,  and  rather  to  lament 
than  severely  condemn  those  evils  from  which  we  are 
happily  freed,  and  which  greatly  hinder  the  more  perfect 
accomplishment  of  all  those  great  and  glorious  works 
which  the  pious  and  benevolent  are  so  anxious  to  achieve." 

He  was  very  much  impressed  by  the  beauty  of  the  trees 
which  adorned  the  grounds  of  the  nobility  and  gentry  of 
England.  The  taste,  so  formed  and  cultivated,  became  a 
passion,  which  sought  its  innocent  and  refined  gratifica- 
tion in  transplanting,  to  the  lots  around  his  residence,  the 
choicest  growth  of  his  own  and  of  foreign  lands.  There 
was  scarcely  an  ornamental  evergreen,  or  deciduous  tree 
in  one  woods,  or  in  the  nurseries,  a  fine  specimen  of  which 
might  not  be  seen  in  the  enclosure  around  Mountain 
Yiew,  and  with  the  history  and  habits  of  which  he  had 
not  made  himself  perfectly  familiar.  It  was  one  of  his 
ways  of  entertaining  his  visitors,  to  conduct  them  from 
tree  to  tree,  telling  of  its  derivation,  and  giving  a  kind  of 
running  commentary  on  its  peculiarities,  with  an  anima- 
tion which  could  scarcely  fail  to  interest.  Often  in  his 
visitations  he  carried  with  him  a  piece  of  oiled  silk,  with 
which,  and  the  aid  of  his  trunk  cover,  he  conveyed  to  his 
home  such  plants  as  he  desired  to  add  to  his  collection, 
and  so  had  transferred  to  his  grounds  representations 
from  the  different  parts  of  his  Diocese — from  the  counties' 
on  the  Eastern  Shore,  to  those  on  the  Kanawha — forming 
objects  not  only  pleasing  to  the  eye,  but  possessing  very 
agreeable  associations. 

In  this  matter,  the  Bishop  was  truly  a  propagandist. 
"When  Bishop  Johns  was  preparing  for  the  residence  of 
his  family,  the  place  which  he  had  purchased  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  Seminary,  Bishop  Meade  asked  to  be  permitted 
to  select  the  ornamental  trees.  On  their  return  from  a 
*20 


466  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

General  Convention,  he  accompanied  Bishop  Johns  to 
nurseries  near  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore,  and  chose,  and 
had  labeled  tree  after  tree,  until  Bishop  Johns  found  it  neces- 
sary to  interfere,  saying,  "Bishop,  not  your  inclination, 
but  my  purse  must  limit  the  purchase;  we  had  better 
stop."  And  yet,  the  next  evening,  on  reaching  his  home, 
he  covered  a  page  with  the  names  of  other  trees,  and 
wrote  to  Bishop  Johns,  that  he  must  add  them  to  those 
already  ordered.  This  was  the  only  letter,  during  a  cor- 
respondence of  twenty-three  years,  in  which  there  was 
not  the  slightest  allusion  to  the  great  interests  to  which 
he  was  devoted.  * 

In  sending  his  contributions  to  aid  in  purchasing  and 
fitting  up  premises  to  be  used  as  parsonages,  he  would 
add  to  a  generous  subscription,  a  sum  to  be  specially  ap- 
propriated to  the  purchase  of  ornamental  trees,  sometimes 
giving  their  names. 

Another  illustration  of  this  passion,  combined  with  his 
interest  for  everything  connected  with  the  old  Churches 
of  Virginia,  is  related  in  his  History — vol.  I,  p.  309.  It 
relates  to  the  old  church  near  Smithfield — Isle  of  Wight 
— the  oldest  in  the  State,  and  probably  the  oldest  now 
standing  in  the  United  States. 

"  Some  years  since,  in  the  month  of  J^J^ovember,  towards 
the  close  of  day,  I  passed  by  the  church  in  company  with 
an  active  young  man,  and,  as  usual,  turning  aside  to  sur- 
vey it,  I  saw  among  the  shrubs  a  delicate  young  cedar, 
about  a  foot  long,  issuing  out  of  the  wall,  just  under  the 
cornice  of  the  roof.  On  expressing  a  wish  that  I  had  it, 
without  dreaming  that  it  could  be  gotten,  my  companion 

*  On  one  of  his  vernal  visits  to  the  Seminary  Hill,  he  stepped  frotn  the 
carriage  at  the  door  of  Bishop  Johns'  residence,  holding  in  his  hands  two 
trimmed  branches,  and  observed,  "I  cut  these  from  mj  Napoleon  willow, 
and  wish  to  plant  them  myself  at  your  spring,"  which  was  just  below  the 
house,  in  a  clump  of  fine  forest  trees.  He  selected  the  spot,  and  planted 
the  branches  with  his  own  hands.  They  are  not  there  now.  With  the  en- 
tire clump  near  which  they  stood,  they  have  disappeared  amidst  the  devas- 
tations attendant  on  war. 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  467 

immediately  began  to  clamber  up  the  pillar  nearest  to  it, 
and,  ascending  twelve  feet,  got  in  a  position  which  enabled 
him  to  remove  several  of  the  loosened  bricks,  and  got  the 
young  plant,  with  good  roots,  from  its  nest.  It  is  now  a 
flourishing  tree,  eight  feet  high,  near  my  study  window." 

After  the  adjournment  of  the  General  Convention  of 
1841,  Bishop  Meade  returned  to  his  home  in  Clark  county. 
On  his  way,  he  held  a  Confirmation  in  Alexandria,  and 
performed  some  duties  at  the  Seminary  and  High  School. 
The  domestic  enjoyments  for  which  he  had  so  fine  a  relish, 
and  which  now,  after  so  long  a  separation,  must  have  been 
peculiarly  delightful  to  him,  were  soon  interrupted  by 
the  melancholy  tidings  of  the  death  of  Bishop  Moore,  who 
finished  his  course  on  the  11th  of  November,  1841,  in 
Lynchburg,  to  which  place  he  had  gone  a  few  days  before 
to  administer  confirmation  in  St.  Paul's  Church. 

By  the  removal  of  this  venerable  and  much  beloved 
Diocesan,  Bishop  Meade  was  deeply  impressed.  In  an 
irregular  kind  of  memorandum  of  official  services  from 
which  he  was  accustomed  to  make  up  his  annual  Address 
to  the  Convention,  but  which  had  been  discontinued  for 
ten  years — he  now  resumes  the  notices  with  this  solemn 
record : 

December  3,  1841. — "I  now  find  myself  alone  in  the  Epis- 
copate by  the  death  of  Bishop  Moore,  and  recommence  my 
journal  on  the  following  jjages,  which  may  be  more  than  suf- 
ficient to  record  all  the  acts  of  my  uncertain  and  unprofita- 
ble life."  "  Oh!  God,  help  me  to  discharge  my  duties  more 
faithfully,  more  lovingly,  more  effectually  for  the  few 
years  allotted  to  me." 

His  address  to  the  next  Convention  commences  with  a 
tender  and  affecting  reference  to  the  bereavement  that  the 
Diocese  had  sustained,  and  an  earnest  request  for  the 
prayers  of  his  brethren  that  he  might  have  grace  adequate 
for  his  increasing  responsibilities. 

"  The  great  Head  of  the  Church,  who,  for  a  long  time 


468  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP    MEADE. 

lias  continued  to  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  the  counsel  and 
superintendence  of  a  very  beloved  father,  has,  since  our 
last  meeting  been  pleased  very  suddenly  to  take  him 
away.  I  hope  it  will  only  make  us  look  the  more  humbly, 
and  steadily  to  Him,  from  whom  all  good  counsels  come, 
that  the  interests  of  true  religion  may  not  suffer  in  our 
hands.  If  there  be  any  of  you,  my  friends,  who  deeply 
feel  the  absence  of  our  beloved  father,  (and  which  of  you 
does  not  ?)  how  much  more  must  I,  who,  for  so  many 
years  had  been  unitedly  and  harmoniously  laboring  at  his 
side,  as  a  son  with  a  father,  and  who  had  begun  seriously 
to  think,  that  my  auxiliary  services  might  probably  be 
over,  before  he  should  be  called  to  his  rest.  God  has 
otherwise  determined,  and  permitted  to  devolve  on  one, 
ill  able  either  in  body  or  mind  to  sustain  it,  the  undivided 
responsibility  of  superintending  this  Diocese. 

It  is  not  my  intention  to  undertake  either  an  eulogy,  or 
biography,  of  our  dear  departed  father — that  having  been 
already  done,  and  often,  and  well  done  by  others,  both 
from  the  pulpit  and  the  press.  And  indeed,  there  was 
something  so  peculiarly  amiable  in  his  character,  and  so 
correspondingly  interesting  and  venerable  in  his  form,  and 
countenance,  and  manner,  that  it  were  worse  than  useless 
to  attempt  a  delineation  of  one  who  has  been  so  recently 
among  us,  and  who  can  be  so  much  better  remembered 
than  described.  May  God  rather  give  us  grace  to  imitate 
those  traits  which  endeared  him  to  the  heart.  For  myself, 
who  of  necessity  must  now  take  his  place,  and  enter  more 
entirely  upon  all  the  anxieties  and  responsibilities  of  the 
Episcopal  office,  I  must  ask  of  you,  my  brethren,  both  of 
the  clergy  and  laity,  not  only  great  indulgence  for  infirm- 
ities and  unfitness,  of  which  I  am  daily  more  and  more 
sensible,  but  a  very  large  share  in  your  most  earnest  en- 
treaties at  a  Throne  of  Grace,  that  the  cause  you  have  en- 
trusted to  me  may  not  suffer.  This,  I  ask,  not  in  feigned 
humility,  but,  as  God  knows,  from  the  very  depth  of  a 


MEMOIR    OP   BISHOP   MEADE.  469 

heart  which  feels  more  of  its  deficiencies   than  can  be 
known  to  any  human  being,*' 

Assistant  BisJiop. —  The  relaxation,  change  of  scene  and 
habits  connected  with  the  Atlantic  voyage  and  European 
tour,  no  doubt  benefitted  Bishop  Meade's  [health.  Under 
the  influence  of  the  relief  which  he  experienced,  he  re- 
sumed his  duties  at  once.  During  the  early  part  of  the 
winter  he  officiated  in  the  churches  in  the  vicinity  of  his 
residence.  In  January,  he  preached  in  Alexandria  and 
Fredericksburg,  on  his  way  to  Richmond  and  to  Peters- 
burg, where  he  spent  a  week  "  enjoying  much  pleasure  in 
beholding  the  rich  fruits  of  God's  grace  in  blessing  the 
word,  frequently  and  faithfully  preached,  and  the  services 
of  the  Church  zealously  and  devotedly  used  by  the  Eector 
and  many  other  brethren,  who,  for  the  last  three  months, 
had  been  almost  daily  meeting  with  the  people  in  the 
house  of  God,  where  they  never  seemed  weary  with  call- 
ing on  Him  in  prayer,  and  hearing  His  truth.  One  of  the 
results  of  this  great  grace  on  the  means  of  Heaven's  ap- 
pointment was  the  confirmation  of  ninety-three  persons, 
who,  it  is  hoped,  not  merely  with  the  mouth,  but  the  full 
consent  of  their  heart,  renewed  that  solemn  vow,  promise 
and  profession  made  in  their  baptism,  and  which  none  can 
make  except  those  who  are  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  their 
minds." — Journal  1842,  p.  11. 

Beturning  by  the  same  route,  and  officiating  at  the  same 
places,  he  tarried  at  his  own  home  long  enough  to  preach 
and  administer  confirmation  in  the  three  neighboring 
churches,  when  he  set  off  on  a  visitation  of  the  western 
section  of  the  Diocese,  embracing  the  churches  in  Harri- 
son and  Lewis  counties,  and  on  the  Ohio  and  Kanawha 
rivers.  By  this  extensive,  and  in  those  days,  tedious  and 
fatiguing  tour,  he  was  again  so  seriously  disabled  that  he 
no  longer  hesitated  as  to  the  course  which  the  interests  of 
the  Diocese,  as  well  as  his  own  comfort,  and  perhaps  life, 


470  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

required.  His  experience,  and  the  expedient  he  desired, 
were  made  the  subject  of  a  special  communication  to  the 
Convention  which  met  in  Staunton  on  the  18th  of  May. 

Brethren  and  Friends  : 

Since  the  decease  of  our  beloved  father,  Bishop  Moore,  my  thoughts 
have  often  been  led  to  a  subject  which  I  now  wish  to  propose  for  your  con- 
sideration. I  mean  the  appointment  of  an  Assistant  Bishop,  to  aid  me  in 
the  arduous  duties  of  this  extensive  Diocese.  During  the  last  twelve  years 
I  have,  with  the  exception  of  a  very  few  places,  performed  the  whole  of 
the  itinerant  duties  of  the  Diocese.  It  has  required,  on  an  average,  at 
least  eight  months  in  each  year,  of  successive  services  from  day  to  day,  to 
render  what  has  still  appeared  to  me,  very  inefficient  supervision  of  the 
Diocese.  The  effect  of  this  incessant  labor  of  mind  and  body  has  been  so 
injurious  to  me  already,  especially  to  my  voice,  which  is  often  insufficient 
for  duty,  and  the  attempt  to  continue  the  same  so  likely  to  result  in  entire 
disability,  that  I  feel  it  a  duty  to  ask,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the 
constitution  of  the  Church,  that  I  may  have  an  Assistant  who  may  divide 
with  me  the  labors  of  a  Diocese  which,  for  its  extent,  and  other  circum- 
stances, is  much  more  difficult  to  be  served  than  any  other  in  our  country . 
I  do  this  under  the  advice  of  many  friends,  and  also  of  physicians,  who 
are  competent  to  judge  of  my  infirmities. 

Hoping  that  you  will  accede  to  my  request,  and  that  God  may  guide 
you  in  the  choice  of  a  suitable  person, 

I  remain, 

Your  faithful  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

William  Meadb. 
Journal,  1842. 

The  select  Committee  appointed  to  consider  and  report 
upon  the  preceding  communication,  having  disposed  of  an- 
other mode  of  relief  which  had  been  suggested,  conclude 
their  report  in  these  words  : 

"  With  respect  to  the  election  of  an  Assistant  Bishop, 
the  only  remaining  subject  submitted  to  their  considera- 
tion, your  committee  deem  it  highly  expedient  that  it 
should  be  done  at  once.  The  Bishop's  health  imperatively 
demands  repose.  If  he  attempts  to  discharge  the  duties 
which  will  devolve  upon  him  during  the  present  season, 
unaided  by  an  Assistant,  the  worst  consequences  are  to  be 
apprehended.      His  physicians  prescribe  repose  as  abso- 


MEMOIR  OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  471 

lutely  necessary  to  the  continuance  of  even  his  present 
health.  They  therefore  respectfully  recommend  to  the 
Convention  the  election  of  an  Assistant  Bishop." — Journal, 
1842. 

This  report  was  adopted,  and  the  next  day  appointed 
for  the  election.  It  resulted  in  the  choice  of  the  Rev.  John 
Johns,  D.  D.,  then  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Baltimore, 
^^aryland,  who  accepted  the  appointment,  and  was  conse- 
crated in  the  Monumental  Church,  Richmond,  on  the  13th 
of  October,  1842. 

After  the  Convention,  Bishop  Meade  embraced  the  first 
opportunity  to  say  to  the  Assistant  Bishop,  "  I  will  aid 
you  in  making  the  appointments  till  you  have  visited  all 
the  churches,  and  then  you  can  arrange  them  to  suit  your- 
self The  Diocese  is  before  you  ;  whatever  you  find  to  be 
done,  do  it,  except  matters  of  discipline  and  letters  di- 
missory.  These  I  am  obliged  to  attend  to  myself.  In  all 
other  respects  the  whole  Diocese  is  open  to  you,  without 
the  necessity  of  a  reference  to  me,  unless  when  you  desire 
information  or  counsel — only  let  us  be  careful  so  to 
arrange  our  movements  that  each  parish  may  be  visited 
at  least  once  in  eighteen  months,  that  all  may  be  regularly 
and  equally  served.  We  will  meet  statedly  at  Convention, 
at  the  examination  of  the  Seminary  and  High  School, 
and  as  often  as  may  be  convenient,  and  4n  the  intervals 
communicate  by  letter."  His  letters  were  frequent,  though 
generally  concise.  He  rarely  acted  in  any  matter  of  im- 
portance, without  conferring  personally,  or  by  mail.  The 
only  instance  in  which  he  manifested  dissatisfaction  was 
connected  with  a  series  of  appointments  published  by 
Bishop  Johns,  in  reference  to  a  part  of  which.  Bishop 
Meade  proposed  the  substitution  of  some  other  places  in 
a  different  section  of  the  Diocese,  which  he  thought  had 
not  received  its  proper  proportion  of  Episcopal  services. — 
Bishop  Johns  explained  that  he  had  visited  those  places 
with  punctuality,  in  regular  rotation,  and  was  not  yet  due 


472  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

there  again,  but  would  certainly  make  the  change  if  the 
Bishop  so  directed.  The  next  mail  brought  a  brief  reply, 
requesting  that  Bishop  Johns  would  never  again  use  that 
odious  word,  ''direct,"  in  such  connection.  This  is  the 
only  instance  of  interference,  or  whisper  of  dissatisfaction 
during  the  constant  and  intimate  intercourse  of  twenty 
years.  The  occurrence  was  a  small  matter,  but  in  its 
spirit  and  singleness,  very  significant  of  character. 

How  conscious  the  Bishop  was  of  the  serious  impair- 
ment of  his  health,  few  were  fully  aware.  From  the  Con- 
vention at  Staunton  he  proceeded  on  a  visitation  through 
Goochland,  where  he  began  a  letter  to  his  sister,  but  de- 
sisted after  writing  a  few  lines  and  requested  another  to 
finish  it. 

BoLLiNG  Hall,  June  10,  1842. 
'  ^My  dear  Sister  : 

I  cannot  go  any  further  without  a  line  to  let  you  and  all  I  most  love 
know  that  I  am  alive,  and  as  well  as  I  could  expect.  I  get  along  by 
adopting  short  exhortations  generally,  instead  of  sermons." 

The  friend  who  filled  the  sheet  writes : 

"I  felt  I  was  truly  favored  to  be  with  him,  and  regretted  his  short 
visit,  as  the  moments  in  his  presence  were  precious  to  my  soul.  I  en- 
deavored to  gain  all  the  instruction  I  could  from  his  valuable  company. 
I  am  sorry  to  find  his  health  not  entirely  restored.  He  will  exert  himself 
too  much,  or,  I  am  sure  his  health  would  be  better." 

In  his  letter  to  his  sister,  the  Bishop  alluded  to  the  ex- 
pedient which  he  adopted  in  "  substituting  short  exhorta- 
tions for  sermons."  He  was  careful  to  secure  at  the 
places  of  his  appointments  the  presence  of  some  clergy- 
man, other  than  the  resident  minister,  who,  if  the  Bishop 
did  not  feel  able  to  preach,  might  take  his  place  in  the 
pulpit.  The  necessity  for  this  substitution  became  more 
freqaent  every  year,  until  at  last  He  ceased  to  preach  on  his 
visitations,  and  confined  himself  to   addresses   from  the 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE,  473 

chancel,  and  to  the  performance  of  those  services  which 
were  strictly  Episcopal.  These  addresses  being  extem- 
poraneous, depended  for  their  animation  and  impressiveness 
on  the  state  of  the  speaker's  feelings,  and  of  his  bodilj'-  health, 
which  were  very  different  at  different  times  —  occasionally 
animating  him  to  eloquence  of  the  highest  order,  and  again 
leaving  him  to  utterances  quite  desultory  and  feeble. 

One  of  his  addresses  delivered  in  the  church  at  Law- 
renceville,  Brunswick  County,  in  May  1856,  was  the  occa- 
sion of  a  violent  assault  on  him  by  an  anonymous  writer 
in  the  Democrat,  published  in  Petersburg.  The  writer  was 
not  present  when  the  address  was  made,  and  allowed  him- 
self to  pen  his  inflammatory  accusation  upon  hear-say.  His 
drift  evidently  was  to  direct  public  indignation  against  the 
Bishop  as  having,  in  his  remarks  to  the  servants  whom  he 
confirmed,  sj)oken  in  a  way  calculated  unduly  to  elevate 
the  slaves,  socially  and  politically,  and  of  course  to  render 
them  dissatisfied  and  lead  to  insurrection.  The  accusation 
was  copied  in  other  papers,  with  the  usual  expressions  of 
astonishment,  and  reluctance  to  credit  it,  and  hopes  that 
so  serious  a  charge  from  one  whom  the  editor  indorsed  as 
reliable,  would  receive  a  speedy  and  satisfactory  response 
from  the  venerable  prelate.  Others,  both  clerical  and  lay, 
who  were  present  when  the  Address  was  delivered  re- 
sponded promptly  in  vindication  of  the  Bishop.  His  own 
statement,  which  soon  appeared,  disposed  of  the  accusation 
so  satisfactorily,  that  the  attempt  at  excitement  utterly 
failed. 

"  Bishop  Meade's  statement  of  his  remarks  at  a  Confirm- 
ation at  Lawrenceville,  being  made  at  the  request  of 
some  of  his  friends : 

"  In  my  address  at  Lawrenceville,  I  adverted  to  the  fact 
that  a  number  of  servants  were  about  to  be  confirmed  — 
eleven  out  of  twelve  —  that  something  suitable  to  them 
was  proper  from  me ;  that  God,  who,  of  one  blood  had 
made  all  nations  upon  earth,  had  given  us  a  religion  suitable 


474  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

to  all  —  rich  and  poor,  bond  and  free;  that  the  larger 
portion  of  the  human  race  had  always  been  in  some  form 
of  bondage  to  the  other,  being  poor  and  dependent ;  that 
God,  in  His  providence,  had  permitted  a  large  number  to 
come  to  this  country  from  Africa,  intending  to  make  it  a 
blessing  to  them,  their  posterity,  and  Africa  itself,  by 
bringing  them  to  the  light  of  the  gospel  and  sending  the 
gospel  back  to  that  country ;  that  there  were  some  per- 
sons who,  by  denying  the  unity  of  the  human  race  and 
ascribing  different  nations  to  different  origins,  and  not  to 
the  one  first  pair  mentioned  in  the  Bible,  made  an  in- 
vidious assault  upon  our  holy  religion — for  in  maintaining 
different  origin,  and  great  original  differences,  a  way  was 
prepared  for  denying  that  Christianity  was  suitable  to  all, 
unless  modified  and  accommodated  to  the  variations  in  the 
human  family.  Whereas,  one  great  argument  for  the 
divinity  of  our  religion  is,  that  it  is  suitable  to  all ;  was 
received  and  understood  by  all,  rich  and  poor,  bond  and 
free,  learned  and  unlearned. 

'*I  exhorted  the  servants  to  rejoice  that  they  had  been 
born  in  this  Christian  land,  and  not  in  a  heathen  land  — 
to  seek  that  liberty  of  soul  from  sin,  which  Christ  alone 
could  give,  and  which  was  infinitely  better  than  any  other 
liberty  —  to  obey  all  those  instructions  to  servants  which 
Grod  had  given  in  His  word — to  be  humble,  faithful,  honest, 
obedient  to  their  masters,  not  eye-servants,  but  doing  their 
duty  as  in  the  sight  of  G-od.  The  whole  Address  was 
based  on  the  supposition  that  their  lot  was  assigned  them 
by  Providence,  and  that  they  should  rejoice  in  the  many 
spiritual  blessings  connected  with  it.  Just  in  proportion 
as  they  received  and  obeyed  my  admonitions,  will  they  be 
happy,  contented  and  faithful  servants  to  their  earthly 
and  to  their  heavenly  masters." 

The  above  was  written  on  hearing  that  something  had 
appeared  in  the  Petersburg  papers  on  the  subject,  but  not 
knowing  the  precise  character  of  the  article.   Having  now 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  475 

seen  it,  I  add  the  following  remarks :  I  have,  for  forty- 
six  years,  been  addressing  our  slaves  in  the  presence,  as 
well  as  in  the  absence,  of  their  owners.  Twenty-seven 
years  I  have  been  publicly  laying  my  hands  on  them  in 
Confirmation,  and  as  publicly  addressing  special  exhorta- 
tions to  them.  During  all  this  period  of  my  ministry,  I 
have  never  heard  it  intimated  that  a  word  was  uttered  by 
me,  which  was  found  fault  with  by  any.  More  than  twenty 
years  ago  I  opened  one  of  our  largest  Conventions,  which 
met  in  the  Monumental  Church  in  Richmond,  with  a 
sermon  on  the  religious  instruction  of  servants.  It  was 
unanimously  approved  of,  and  a  copy  requested  for  general 
circulation.  Several  editions  have  been  issued.  I  have  never 
varied  from  the  sentiments  contained  in  that  sermon ;  1  have 
on  several  occasions  of  late  years  adverted  to  the  fact,  that 
there  were  two  classes  of  persons  who  were  making  assaults 
upon  the  Bible  in  connection  with  this  subject ;  the  one 
consisting  of  those  who,  unable  to  resist  the  arguments  in 
favor  of  the  lawfulness  of  slavery,  from  the  Bible,  had 
gone  to  the  extreme  of  denying  the  Divine  authority  of 
the  Bible ;  the  other,  consisting  of  those  who,  not  satisfied 
with  the  sanction  afforded  to  this  institution  by  the  Bible, 
sought  to  strengthen  it  by  affirming  that  different  races, 
and  especially  the  African,  came  from  different  origins, 
and  that  the  latter  was  very  diverse  and  inferior  to  the 
others.  Of  course  the  same  religion  would  not  be  equally 
suitable  to  all.  Against  all  such  assaults  upon  our  holy 
religion,  I  trust  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  will  be  ever 
ready  to  defend  it. 

On  the  occasion  spoken  of,  I  briefly  alluded  to  these 
assaults  upon  our  holy  religion,  and,  referring  to  the  many 
notices  of  servants  in  the  Bible,  and  especially  to  what 
St.  Paul  had  addressed  to  them,  and  his  instructions  to 
Timothy  as  to  exhortations  to  them,  said  I  never  felt 
myself  more  as  the  minister  of  Christ  and  follower  of  the 
Apostles,  than  when  laying  my  hands  on  the  heads  of  this 


476  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

portion  of  our  fellow-beings.  I  have  ever  rejoiced  to  say- 
to  those  who  upbraid  us  with  being  indifferent  to  the  souls 
of  our  servants,  that  our  ministers  seem  to  delight  in 
preaching  to  them,  and  our  people  encourage  them  to  do 
so.  On  that  occasion  I  said,  that  from  the  earliest  period? 
the  most  pious  of  our  forefathers,  who  declared  that  they 
came  to  America  chiefly  to  bring  the  Christian  religion  to 
the  natives,  also  regarded  the  Africans  as  sent  here,  not 
merely  to  fell  the  forests  and  cultivate  the  fields — though 
this  was  part  of  the  design  of  Providence — but  chiefly  for 
the  far  more  glorious  purpose  of  hearing  the  gospel  of  sal- 
vation. I  felt  that  while  speaking  I  was  defending  South- 
ern Christians  against  charges  of  neglect  from  distant 
quarters,  though  I  by  no  means  affirm  that  they  do  the 
half  of  their  duty  towards  them. 

"  If  I  was  not  so  understood,  I  can  only  ascribe  it  to  the 
most  sensitive  and  morbid  state  of  some  minds  on  *the 
subject.  "William  Meade." 

The  position  of  Bishop  Meade  in  reference  to  this  ex- 
citing subject  may  be  concisely  stated  without  any  discus- 
sion. 

Slavery,  as  a  civil  institution,  was  never  to  his  taste. 
He  had, however,  no  conscientious  scruples  as  to  its  law- 
fulness, because  he  believed  it  to  have  been  distinctly 
recognized,  and  formally  legislated  about,  by  divine  author- 
ity in  the  Sacred  Scriptures. 

As  an  institution  existing  in  the  United  States,  he  did 
not  hold  with  those  who  professed  to  regard  it  as  a  bless- 
ing to  the  country,  but  with  the  distinguished  statesmen 
of  Virginia  who  considered  it  politically  disadvantageous, 
and  hoped  it  would,  in  process  of  time,  be  happily  termi- 
nated. How  such  termination  was  to  be  effected,  he  did 
not  as  yet  perceive.  In  early  life  he  had  manumitted 
and  conveyed  to  non-slaveholding  States,  such  of  his  ser- 
vants as  he  thought  capable  of  taking  care  of  themselves. 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  477 

The  results  of  this,  and  other  similar  experiments,  which 
he  had  watched  with  much  interest,  satisfied  him  that 
manumission  was  generally  a  failure,  if  the  persons  freed 
were  to  remain  in  this  country,  and  he  decidedly  advised 
against  it. 

His  zeal  in  the  cause  of  the  Colonization  Society  was 
kindled  by  the  hope  that  though  it  was,  in  its  principles  and 
action,  distinctly  limited  to  the  free  people  of  color,  it 
might  ultimately  lead  to  some  arrangement  for  the  re- 
moval of  the  entire  colored  population,  without  violence 
or  wrong. 

Meanwhile,  with  the  Apostle,  he  taught  masters  and 
servants  to  conform  to  the  relations  in  which  they  were 
2)rovidentially  placed.  Servants  by  "  obeying  their  mas- 
ters according  to  the  flesh,  not  with  eye-service  as  men- 
pleasers,  but  in  singleness  of  heart,  fearing  God,"  and  mas- 
ters by  giving  unto  their  servants  that  which  is  just  and 
equal,  knowing  that  they  also  have  a  Master  in  heaven." 

Notwithstanding  the  appointment  of  an  assistant,  Bishop 
Meade  continued  as  heretofore  to  visit  all  the  parishes  in 
the  Diocese,  except  that,  instead  of  two,  he  now  took  for 
its  accomplishment,  the  three  years  canonically  prescribed. 
This,  and  the  substitution  of  addresses  from  the  chancel 
for  discourses  from  the  pulpit,  was  all  the  indulgence  he 
allowed  himself.  His  malady  returned  upon  him  with  in- 
creased power — yet,  with  that  indomitable  resolution  for 
which  he  was  so  very  remarkable,  he  persevered  in  his  vis- 
itations, though  often  distressing  to  him,  and  occasioning 
much  concern  to  the  sympathizing  people  for  whom  he 
officiated.  Instances  of  failure  to  officiate  according  to 
appointment  became  more  frequent,  and  acted  unfavorably 
on  his  health  and  spirits.  Several  times,  as  he  said  to  a 
friend,  he  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  he  ought  to 
surrender  the  whole  supervision  of  the  Diocese  to  the 
assistant :  but,  he  worked  on  as  he  could,  and  his  assistant^ 


478  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

besides  his  own  visitations,  was  able  and  glad  to  go  to  his 
help,  and  finish  out  any  line  of  appointments  which  the 
Bishop  found  himself  incapable  of  completing.  This  was 
just  what  he  needed,  relief  of  body,  and  relief  from  men- 
tal anxiety  in  reference  to  his  engagements — which,  in  real- 
ity, often  brought  on  the  very  disability  it  dreaded. 
Seeing,  however,  that  the  Diocese  was  regularly  visited, 
and  that  occasional  lack  of  service  on  his  part  could  be 
promptly  supplied,  one  cause  of  painful  disturbance  sub- 
sided, and  so  he  found  himself  working  with  less  and  less 
inconvenience,  and  when  at  home  reposing  with  more  com- 
fort. As  was  to  be  expected,  there  were  still  painful 
vicissitudes  in  his  experience,  yet  his  maladies  ceased  to 
advance,  and  when  this  was  realized,  it  was  encouraging, 
and  contributed,  in  connection  with  the  use  of  other 
means,  to  abate — slowly  indeed,  but  to  abate — the  most  dis- 
tressing symptoms  in  his  case,  and  gradually  led,  not  to 
health,  for  that  was  never  fully  restored,  but  to  such  re- 
lief, as  neither  he,  or  his  friends,  ever  supposed  could  be 
attained. 

The  Bishop  continued  for  a  number  of  years  to  refrain 
from  formal  preaching,  and  officiated  only  in  his  place  in 
the  chancel  —  the  most  appropriate  position  for  the  minis- 
trations of  a  Bishop  on  any  ordinary  visitation. 

He  resorted  to  it  at  first  to  avoid  being  obliged  to  speak 
as  long  as  custom  prescribed  for  the  delivery  of  a  sermon, 
or  to  appear  to  have  failed.  The  apprehension  of  this,  in 
his  state  of  health,  really  disqualified  him  for  the  effort, 
and  produced  a  kind  of  nervous  disinclination  to  ascend 
the  pulpit,  which  grew  by  indulgence,  and  kept  him  from 
occupying  it  for  some  time  after  the  infirmity  in  which 
the  practice  originated,  had  ceased  to  render  it  necessary. 

The  Bishop's  duties  as  Professor  of  Pastoral  Theology 
brought  him  to  the  Seminary  every  year,  where,  before 
commencing  his  spring  visitation,  he  spent  about  a  fort- 
night in  instructing  the  senior  class.      His  home  at  such 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  479 

times  was  at  Malvern,  the  residence  of  Bishop  Johns,  con- 
tiguous to  the  Seminary  grounds.  During  one  of  these 
visits  Bishop  Johns  had  an  appointment  to  preach  and 
confirm  in  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  on  April  11,  1858. 
Knowing  how  agreeable  it  would  be  to  his  old  congrega- 
tion, Bishop  Johns  proposed  to  him  to  administer  the  rite 
of  Confirmation.  This  he  j^romptly  declined,  but  added 
in  a  very  animated  voice,  "If  you  please,  I  will  preach 
the  sermon."  The  proposal  was  cheerfully  accepted, 
though  with  much  surprise,  and  no  little  distrust  as  to 
performance.  Bishop  Johns  deemed  it  prudent  to  be  ready 
himself  in  case  of  the  Bishop's  resolution  failing  when  the 
hour  arrived.  But  the  precaution  was  unnecessary.  The 
idea  of  beginning  again  to  preach,  and  in  the  very  church 
of  his  early  ministrations,  stirred  his  spirit  within  him, 
and  braced  him  for  the  experiment.  The  people  were 
astonished  when  they  saw  him,  with  firm  step,  ascend  the 
pulpit,  and  heard  him  deliver  his  sermon  with  a  sonorous 
voice,  which  made  the  old  church  ring  with  tones  with 
which,  for  sixteen  years,  they  had  ceased  to  be  familiar. — 
Some  could  go  back  to  a  remoter  date,  when  the  youthful 
parson,  in  his  home-spun  suit,  boyish  collar,  and  black 
necktie,  first  stood  in  that  pulpit,  charming  their  ears  by 
the  music  of  his  lips,  and  wooing  their  souls  with  the 
grace  of  the  gospel.  But  those  privileged  days,  and  also 
the  powerful  ministrations  of  his  manhood,  had  long 
passed  away.  The  congregation  were  now  accustomed  to 
see  him  serve  under  the  disabilities  of  disease,  and  infirm- 
ities of  advancing  life.  The  unexpected  manifestation  of 
the  morning  seemed  to  them  like  a  resurrection,  and  the 
people  wept  for  joy! 

It  was  not  the  last  luminous  flash  of  an  expiring  flame 
— the  mysterious  rally  of  energies  which  sometimes  pre- 
cedes and  indicates  sudden  and  final  collapse — but  the 
elasticity  of  a  naturally  vigorous  life,  partially  relieved 
from  the  incubus  of  a  destroying  disease,  and  so  far  spring- 


480  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

ing  into  salutary  action  under  the  happiest  influences  in- 
cident to  humanity.  From  that  time  onward  he  continued 
to  officiate  in  the  pulpit,  preaching  occasionally  twice  on 
the  same  day  to  the  edification  and  delight  of  his  devoted 
Diocese — himself  as  much  interested  and  pleased  at  resum- 
ing this  form  of  ministration,  as  when  he  first  began  as 
a  young  deacon,  at  the  stone  chapel  in  Clarke. 

His  devotion  to  the  Theological  Seminary  has  been 
noticed  in  its  place.  With  the  first  move  for  its  establish- 
ment at  Williamsburg  he  had  no  sympathy.  He  believed 
it,  what  it  soon  proved  to  be,  a  mistake.  Eut  from  the 
time  of  its  transfer  to  Alexandria  it  was  prominent  in  his 
thoughts  and  affections,  and  shared  largely  in  his  labors. 
Besides  the  services  required  by  a  general  superintend- 
ence as  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  his  duties  as 
Professor  brought  him  for  several  weeks  every  spring  into 
personal  intercourse  with  professors  and  students.  These 
annual  visits  were  exceedingly  pleasant  to  the  other  pre- 
ceptors and  to  the  students,  with  whom  his  association 
was  always  that  of  an  affectionate  and  wise  parent  with 
sons  just  maturing  into  manhood.  Year  after  year  he 
thus  watched  over  the  beloved  Seminary,  and  he  was 
amply  remunerated  for  his  care  and  toil.  He  had  the 
happiness  to  see  it  advance  with  healthy  growth  from  the 
few  pupils  and  limited  accommodations  in  Alexandria,  till 
it  covered  with  its  spacious  and  imposing  buildings,  and 
those  of  the  adjacent  High  School,  the  commanding  hill 
to  which  it  has  given  its  name — was  filled  with  students 
from  all  parts  of  our  country,  and  had  its  alumni  minis- 
tering in  every  State  in  the  Union,  and  at  every  foreign 
missionary  station  of  the  Church. 

Among  the  buildings  then  recently  erected  were  "  St. 
George's  Hall,"  by  funds  furnished  by  a  lady  of  St. 
George's  Church,  New  York,  through  the  friendly  agency 
of  the  Eev.  S.  H.  Tyng,  D.  D. — a  handsome  fire  proof 
library,  the  contribution  of  Mr.  John  Bohlen,  of  Philadel- 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  481 

phia,  and  a  legacy  of  Miss  Sophia  Jones,  of  Virginia — and 
the  noble  central  building,  "  Aspinwall  Hall,"  the  gift  of 
the  brothers  of  that  name,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Rev. 
G.  T.  Bedell,  D.  D.,  then  Rector  of  the  Church  of  the 
Ascension,  ISTew  York,  with  which  the  liberal  donors  were 
connected. 

It  was  eminently  proper  that  these  gifts  should  be  pub- 
licly and  formally  recognized  in  connection  with  their 
solemn  dedication  to  God  for  the  purposes  contemplated 
by  the  several  benefactors  of  the  Seminary.  A  most  suit- 
able occasion  presented  itself  b}^  the  approaching  General 
Convention  which  was  to  assemble  in  Richmond,  and  the 
day  preceding  its  meeting  was  appointed  for  the  interest- 
ing services.  Due  notice  was  given,  special  invitations 
sent,  and  every  proper  preparation  made  for  the  accom- 
modation of  visitors. 

On  Tuesday,  October  5,  1859,  being  the  day  appointed 
for  the  consecration  of  "  Aspinwall  Hall,"  and  other  build- 
ings forming  the  group  on  the  Seminary  Hill,  a  large 
number  of  clergy  and  laity  assembled  for  the  purpose. 

The  spacious  hall  and  the  three  lecture  rooms,  with  the 
wide  entry  and  stairway  were  soon  occupied.  Among* 
the  w^elcome  visitors  were  the  Bishops  of  Vermont,  Ken- 
tucky, and  Louisiana,  the  last  being  an  alumnus  of  the 
Seminary.  The  presence  of  the  generous  friends  by  whose 
liberality  the  new  buildings  were  erected,  added  largely 
to  the  interest  of  the  occasion. 

As  the  Bishops,  clergy  and  lay  members  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees  entered  the  west  door  of  the  new  Hall,  and 
proceeded  to  the  platform  provided  for  the  speakers,  they 
repeated  the  19th  Psalm  alternately. 

A  form  of  consecration  modeled  after  that  prescribed 
for  the  consecration  of  a  church  had  been  prepared  by 
Bishop  Johns,  and  was  now  used,  and,  after  an  appropri- 
ate Psalm  sung  by  the  large  congregation,  Bishop  Meade 
delivered  an  interesting  address,  in  which  he  gave  a  his- 
21 


482  MEMOIR   OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

tory  of  the  Seminary,  recited  a  list  of  its  generous  bene- 
factors in  and  beyond  the  Diocese,  and  dwelt  with  expres- 
sions of  gratitude  and  praise  on  the  signal  blessings  of 
God  which  had  rested  on  the  Institution,  as  evidenced  by 
the  number  and  character  and  usefulness  of  its  alumni. 
He  then  alluded  briefly  to  what  was  necessary  to  carry 
out  the  architect's  plan  for  completing  the  central  struc- 
ture, and  having  appealed  for  means  to  accomplish  this,  to 
those  friends  of  the  Church  whom  God  had  prospered,  he 
closed  with  a  prayer  for  "  our  kind  benefactors  yet  on 
earth,  that  when  they  rest  from  their  labors  their  works 
may  follow  them  in  the  good  which  they  are  still  doing 
upon  earth,  and  their  own  happiness  even  in  heaven,  be 
increased  by  the  sight  of  souls  once  lost,  but  now  saved, 
and  in  some  degree  prepared  for  the  abodes  of  bliss  by  the 
instrumentality  of  this  institution." 

The  next  speaker  was  the  Eev.  Dr.  Bedell,  the  Assistant 
Bishop  elect  of  the  Diocese  of  Ohio — a  favorite  alumnus 
of  the  Seminary,  always  its  generous  friend,  and  recently 
having  manifested  his  great  interest  by  procuring  for  it  a 
participation  in  the  munificence  of  two  of  his  liberal  par- 
ishioners. In  his  address  he  gratefully  recognized  his  in- 
dividual obligations  to  the  Seminary  for  its  faithful  theo- 
logical training,  and  "  its  atmosphere  of  true  spiritual 
religion,"  which  he  there  enjoyed  during  his  student  life, 
ascribing  to  them,  "  under  the  grace  of  God,"  the  ability 
*'  he  might "  possess  to  preach  with  profit,  and  in  all  other 
ways  minister  well  and  wisely  to  his  cure.  He  bore  de- 
cided testimony  to  the  excellency  of  his  professors,  and,  on 
the  intellectual  and  religious  character  of  one  since  de- 
ceased, (the  Rev.  Reuel  Keith,  D.  D.,)  he  passed  an  eulo- 
gium  as  just  as  it  was  delicate  and  afi'ecting.  He  related 
with  much  interest  his  reminiscences  of  Seminary  life, 
especially  its  devotional  exercises  among  themselves,  and 
the  lay  agencies  of  the  students  at  the  diff'erent  stations 
for  religious  service  in  the  surrounding  country,  the  influ- 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  483 

ence  of  all  which,  he  considered,  as  worth  more  to  the 
future  pastor  than  any  amount  of  mere  theological  instruc- 
tion. He  delivered  his  judgment  in  favor  of  a  few  large 
and  well  endowed  seminaries,  rather  than  many  with  lim- 
ited advantages.  vSpecified  "the  missionary  spirit,  which 
had  always  characterized  'the  Hill'  as  the  consideration 
which  had  "engaged  the  hearts  of  his  friends  from  the 
Church  of  the  Ascension,"  and  given  direction  to  their 
Christian  liberality.  The  address  closed  thus:  "I  thank 
my  friends  for  permitting  me  to  be  an  instrument  in  their 
behalf  of  building  here  a  tabernacle  for  the  children  of 
God.  Most  happily  has  my  share  in  its  dedication  been 
the  final  act  of  a  very  blessed  pastorate.  God's  holy 
name  be  praised  who  put  it  into  their  hearts.  His  be  the 
glory.  May  He  hear  our  prayers.  May  He  follow  this 
gift  with  His  richest  blessing.  May  many  a  generation  of 
faithful  ministers  nurtured  here,  praise  Him,  through 
them,  for  the  privileges  they  have  secured  to  this  institu- 
tion by  the  erection  of  Aspinwall  Hall." 

After  a  short  address  by  Bishop  Johns,  the  congregation 
sang  a  portion  of  the  "Yeni  Creator,"  united  in  prayer, 
and  were  dismissed  with  the  benediction. 

In  the  basement  rooms  of  the  old  Seminary  building, 
which  was  then  standing  just  in  the  rear  of  Aspinwall 
Hall,  the  ladies  of  the  Hill  had  prepared  a  bountiful  and 
beautiful  collation,  to  which  all  were  invited,  and  of  which 
they  now  partook  with  hearts  cheered  by  the  services  of  the 
morning,  and  enjoying  the  blessed  charities  of  Christian 
fellowship — a  day  to  be  entered  in  capitals  on  the  Semi- 
nary calendar. 

In  a  note  annexed  to  his  address,  Bishop  Meade  men- 
tions with  merited  distinction  the  name  of  another  friend, 
to  whose  long  continued  services  as  Treasurer  and  Agent 
we  are  much  indebted. 

"  Mr.  Cassius  F.  Lee,  of  Alexandria."  "  From  an  early 
period  to  the  present  time,  he  has  been  actively  engaged, 


484  MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

by  correspondence,  in  raising  funds  for  the  Education  So- 
ciety, for  the  various  buildings  which  have  been  put  up, 
acting  as  receiver  and  disburser  of  the  same,  as  well  as 
making  contracts,  and  superintending  the  works.  Much 
care  and  trouble  have  devolved  upon  him  in  the  perform- 
ance of  these  duties,  and  to  no  individual  in  the  Diocese 
are  we  indebted  for  so  large  a  share  of  labor  and  anxiety 
in  our  behalf,  as  to  himself,  besides  the  occasional  advance 
of  moneys  when  our  funds  were  low." 

Mr.  Lee,  by  his  judicious  counsel,  efficient  and  varied 
personal  agencies,  and  generous  pecuniary  aid,  has  cer- 
tainly laid  .the  institution  under  obligations  which  no 
amount  of  coin  could  cancel,  nor  any  words  adequately 
express.  Wherever  his  invaluable  services  are  understood, 
he  is  with  one  consent  considered  as  eminently 

"The  Seminary's  Benefactor." 

It  may  be  proper  to  state  that  the  additional  buildings 
to  which  Bishop  Meade  referred,  as  necessary  to  complete 
the  architect's  plan,  have  since  been  erected, — "Bohlen 
Hall,"  by  the  generous  friend  whose  name  it  bears,  and 
"  Meade  Hall,"  by  the  members  of  the  Church  in  Virginia. 

General  Convention  of  1859. —  The  day  after  the  conse- 
cration of  the  buildings  on  the  Seminary  Hill,  the  General 
Convention  met  in  Richmond,  Virginia.  It  brought  to- 
gether the  BishojDS  of  the  Church,  and  a  large  number  of 
clerical  and  lay  deputies  from  the  several  States  of  the 
Union.  It  was  an  assembly,  which,  for  learning,  talents, 
piety  and  influence,  was  very  distinguished. 

In  the  absence  of  Bishop  Brownell,  who  was  detained  at 
his  home,  in  Connecticut,  by  ill-health.  Bishop  Meade,  by 
seniority  of  consecration,  became  the  presiding  officer  in 
the  House  of  Bishops.  He  was  by  no  means  remarkable  for 
his  acquaintance  with  parliamentary  rules.  For  any  such 
deficiency,  his  gentlemanly  instincts  and  Christian  spirit 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  485 

made  ample  amends.  For  all  the  duties  of  the  Chair  he 
proved  himself  quite  competent,  directing  the  proceedings 
of  the  House  with  courteous  address  and  dignified  decision. 

It  would  be  remarkable,  if,  even  in  an  assembly  of  Bish- 
ops, no  one  were  found  who  did  not  fancy  himself  slighted 
in  the  distribution  of  its  agencies,  and  think  it  hard  that 
he  was  not  selected  for  a  more  honorable  position  than  had 
been  assigned  to  him.  Such  complaints  are  oftener  to  be 
imputed  to  the  common  infirmity  of  "thinking  more  highly 
of  one's  self  than  one  ought  to  think,"  than  to  neglect,  or 
partiality,  on  the  part  of  the  presiding  officer.  And  then, 
there  is  in  some  very  excellent  persons  a  morbid  sensi- 
tiveness, quick  to  take  offence  where  none -was  intended, 
and  where,  in  fact,  no  cause  had  been  given. 

Two  illustrations  of  these  remarks  occurred  in  the  Con- 
vention at  Eichmond,  as  appears  from  a  manuscript  in  the 
Bishop's  handwriting,  designed  to  vindicate  himself,  if  the 
necessity  should  occur.  For  this,  happily,  no  occasion  has 
been  given,  and  the  occurrences  were  of  no  importance? 
unless  it  be  to  sustain  others  similarly  tried,  by  the  assur- 
ance that  "  no  strange  thing  has  happened  to  them." 

His  official  duties  were  laborious,  and  superadded  to 
these  was  a  constant,  just  concern,  that  the  proceedings  of 
the  Convention  should  be  honorable  to  the  Church,  and 
promotive  of  its  true  prosperity.  He  shared  with  the 
resident  clergy  in  the  responsibility  of  arranging  for  the 
accommodation  of  that  body,  and  for  the  personal  comfort 
of  its  members. 

But  its  session  in  Eichmond  was  a  happy  episode  in  his 
Episcopal  life.  Except  in  his  mountain  home,  and  in  the 
midst  of  his  children  and  grandchildren,  he  rarely,  per- 
haps, appeared  to  more  advantage  than  when  participating 
with  the  good  people  of  that  part  of  his  Diocese,  in  wel- 
coming to  their  houses  their  fellow-churchmen  who  had 
come  to  the  Convention,  and  in  studying  to  render  their 
visit  as  pleasant  and  profitable  as  possible. 


486  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

It  must  have  been  impossible  for  him  to  avoid  contrast- 
ing that  grand  assemblage  with  another,  which  met  in  that 
same  city  six  and  forty  years  before,  and  of  which  he  was 
himself  a  member.  It  has  already  been  described.  "Only 
seven  clergymen  attended.  Our  deliberations  were  con- 
ducted in  one  of  the  committee  rooms  of  the  Capitol,  sit- 
ting around  a  table."  "  There  was  nothing  to  encourage 
us  to  meet  again."  ]N"ow,  that  little  handful  had  become 
a  host,  and  in  one  of  their  own  spacious  and  beautiful 
buildings  receiving  as  their  guests  the  thirty-six  Bishops, 
129  clerical  and  106  lay  delegates,  assembled  to  legislate 
for  a  Church  extending  over  the  entire  territory  of  the 
United  States.  Then,  as  he  returned  alone  on  horseback 
to  his  ministrations  in  the  Stone  Chapel  in  the  distant 
county  of  Frederick,  never  expecting  to  cross  the  moun- 
tain again  to  attend  another  Convention,  he  found  himself 
continually  exclaiming  in  reference  to  the  Church  in  Yir- 
ginia,  "  Lost !  lost !  lost !  "  Now,  as  he  looked  upon  the 
Church  of  which  his  own  flourishing  Diocese  was  a  prom- 
inent portion,  and  saw  its  extent,  and  order,  and  beauty, 
and  was  thrilled  by  the  Gloria  in  Excelsis,  which  again 
and  again  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  assembled  brethren, 
gladdened  by  the  blessing  of  Grod  on  their  procedures, 
how  could  he  refrain  from  exclaiming,  in  holy  admiration 
and  joy,  "  What  hath  God  wrought?"  "Not  unto  us,  O 
Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  Thy  name  give  glory,  for  Thy 
mercy,  and  for  Thy  truth's  sake  !  " 

Usually  at  General  Conventions,  his  infirmities  rendered 
it  necessary  for  him  to  take  a  recumbent  posture,  either 
on  a  bench  or  lounge,  considerately  provided  for  his  ac- 
commodation. But  he  kept  himself  familiar  with  the 
business  of  the  House,  and  was  on  his  feet  the  moment 
his  action  was  required.  "  Bishop  Alonzo  Potter  was 
asked  by  a  clergyman  of  Yirginia,  '  who  was  the  ruling 
spirit  in  the  House  of  Bishops  ? '  He  replied  :  '  There  is 
a  man  who  lies  on  the  sofa  from  ill-health,  who  often  seems 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  487 

half  asleep,  but  let  any  question  of  moment  come  up,  and 
he  is  wide  awake,  and  wields  an  influence  which  no  other 
man  in  the  House  of  Bishops  comes  near.'  ^' 

After  the  business  of  the  Convention  is  completed,  and 
before  adjourning  without  day,  it  is  customary  for  the  two 
Houses  to  meet  for  the  purpose  of  listening  to  the  Pastoral 
Letter.  On  this  occasion  (1859)  no  Pastoral  was  pre- 
pared. Both  Houses,  however,  assembled  as  usual,  and 
after  appropriate  prayers,  the  Senior  Bishop  delivered  a 
very  impressive  Address,  of  which  nothing  has  been  pre- 
served. 

The  annexed  very  imperfect  and  scarcely  legible  sketch, 
in  his  own  handwriting,  of  an  Address  delivered  at  the 
close  of  one  of  his  own  Diocesan  Conventions  may  not  be 
unacceptable,  as  a  specimen  of  his  style,  and  spirit  on  such 
occasions. 

"  Orders  In  a  few  short  moments  our  services  are  over, 
and  we  part,  some  of  us  to  meet  no  more  on  this  side 
eternity.  God  has  been,  we  trust,  in  the  midst  of  us  for 
good.  If  our  acts  have  been  noted  down  for  the  eyes  of 
others,  God  has  kept  a  record  of  the  doings  of  our  hearts, 
and  we  shall  know  them  one  day  when  the  secrets  of  all 
hearts  shall  be  revealed,  at  the  great  meeting  above. 

These,  our  meetings  in  the  Church  below,  are  highly  im- 
portant, and  most  fearfully  interesting.  Men  will  meet  to- 
gether in  large  numbers  on  earth  for  business,  pleasure, 
for  the  display  of  talent,  for  war,  or  trade,  literature. 
These  will  be.  Shall  not  the  most  important  of  all  subjects 
have  its  great  assemblages  and  celebrations  ?  God,  Him- 
self hath  appointed  them.  Beside  the  weekly  Sabbath  and 
other  assemblies  ;  great  feasts,  three  times  a  year  from  all 
parts  of  the  land.  "  O  'twas  a  joyful  sound  to  hear."  Our 
Lord,  when  very  young,  attended  one  with  His  parents. 
At  one  of  them,  where  the  Apostles  and  first  disciples  were 
assembled,  three  thousand  were  converted  by  the  j)lainest 
of  sermons. 


488  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

What  are  all  the  nations  of  Christendom  ?  What  are  all 
the  States  of  our  Union  ?  all  the  churches  in  the  same 
Judeas,  and  Canaans  and  Jerusalcms?  And  what  our 
great  meetings,  but  so  many  feasts  of  the  Lord,  where 
numbers  come  together  ? 

I  trust  that  the  Spirit  which  was  so  bountifully  poured 
out  on  thousands  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  being  sent  down 
by  our  Lord,  from  the  right  hand  of  the  Father,  in  answer 
to  the  prayers  offered  up  with  one  accord  from  waiting 
hearts,  has  not  been  withheld  from  us ;  that  it  has  been 
helping  our  infirmities,  interceding  within  some  with 
groaning  for  sin ;  that  we  have  felt  it  good  to  be  here.  If 
only  we  have  felt  the  spirit  of  penitence,  truly  it  is  good 
to  set  under  the  gospel  ever  new  to  sing  the  new  and 
everlasting  song  for  redeeming  love,  making  melody  in  our 
hearts  to  the  Lord — if  our  love  to  Christ  and  the  brethren 
has  been  increased,  and  the  promises  been  precious  to  us, 
our  hearts  enlarged  towards  the  poor  heathen,  by  the  state- 
ments ;  if  our  desire  after  greater  holiness,  and  more  use- 
fulness has  been  increased,  and  if  we  go  home  determined 
to  be  more  faithful  in  our  families  and  co-operate  more 
with  God's  ministers. 

We  are  parting,  and  which  of  us  will  assemble  thus  again? 
How  many  of  those  who  meet  at  the  last  (Convention) 
have  passed  away?  How  many  have  lost  friends  who 
were  not  there  ?  (something  here  is  unintelligible).  The 
manuscrij)t  continues :  "  When  our  children  are  thus  early 
removed,  there  is  good  hope  of  them.  But,  when  they 
have  been  admonished,  and  good  and  evil  set  before  them, 
where  is  our  hope  ?  How  many,  during  the  last  year,  have 
died,  whose  friends  have  been  obliged  to  mourn  as  those 
who  have  no  hope  ?  How  many  may,  the  present  year  ? 
And  oh !  to  be  thus  bereaved  of  friends,  especially  children, 
it  is  indeed  to  be  bereaved.  Oh  Absalom,  my  son  Absalom! 
how  many  Christian  fathers  may  say,  would  1  had  died 
for  thee,  and  left  thee  behind  with  the  sweet  hope  that 


MEMOIR   OF   BIsnOP   MEADE.  489 

God  would  have  mercy  on  thee.  Let  this  stimulate  us  to 
more  prayer,  and  effort  for  their  salvation,  while  living ! 
Such  is  our  j^arting  counsel  this  night. 

But  I  must  address  a  parting  word  to  my  brethren  of 
the  ministry.  AVc  have  great  need  to  exhort  each  other, 
being  poor  weak  creatures,  earthen  vessels.  We  have  a 
great  work.  Who  is  sufficient  for  it  ?  Oh  how  blessed  the 
thought  that  our  sufficiency  is  of  God !  And  how  short 
the  time  in  which  to  do  it !  In  the  midst  of  life,  God's 
ministers,  as  well  as  others,  are  in  death — often  cut  off  in 
the  midst  of  their  days.  Some  in  the  beginning,  in  youth. 
Death  has  been  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  our  families, 
brethren.  Two  of  our  number  are  wanting.  They  were 
victims  to  labor  and  exposure — fast  spending  and  being 
spent  during  the  short  time  of  labor,  and  died  in  the  cause. 
Blessed  are  such  dead  who  "died  in  the  Lord  !  They  rest 
from  their  labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  and  bless 
them !  Let  us  follow  their  examples,  and  whatever  our 
hands  find  to  do,  do  it  with  all  our  might,  lest  the  night 
come,  when  we  cannot  work.  Who  shall  say,  "  my  time 
is  not  yet?"  The  arrow  may  be  on  the  wing.  The 
youngest  may  die.  The  oldest  must  die  early.  Some  of 
us  are  fast  approaching  the  end  of  our  course.  Our  eyes 
are  dimmed,  our  natural  force  fast  abating ;  our  steps  are 
becoming  unsteady.  We  are  tottering  towards  the  grave, 
which  may  even  now  be  open  for  us.  We  need  help  from 
God.  Even  if  this  be  not  so,  if  we  are  left  over,  some  of 
those  dearest  may  be  taken.  We  may  be  bereaved  of  our 
children,  of  those  dearer  than  children,  than  life  itself, 
as  some  now  feel  in  the  deep  of  their  hearts.  But  though 
life,  friends,  be  spared,  still,  my  brethren,  we  have  sorrows 
and  trials  peculiar.  If  every  heart  knows  its  own  bitter- 
ness, the  hearts  of  God's  ministers  have  bitterness  to 
which  the  world  is  a  stranger.  From  the  oldest  Bishop 
having  the  care  of  many  Churches  pressing  on  his  soul, 
to  the  youngest  deacon,  there  are  fears  and  troubles.  God 
*21 


490  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

alone  can  sustain  us  under  trials,  disappointments,  morti- 
fications, removals,  want,  sometimes  poverty  coming  on 
like  armed  men  upon  wife  and  children.  But,  brethren, 
that  Grod  who  sustained  so  many  prophets,  apostles  and 
confessors  under  greater  trials,  will  uphold  us.  The  glori- 
ous privilege  of  laboring  for  souls  is  ours.  Even  though 
the  more  we  love,  the  less  we  are  loved,  what  a  thought 
that,  as  Christ  died  to  save  His  enemies,  we  may  be 
instrumental  in  good  to  such.  Our  days  of  sorrow  will 
soon  be  over,  and  we  have  much  joy  mingled  with  it. 
Let  none  be  afraid  to  enter. 

Ours  is  the  sweetest,  safest  life  after  all.  Our  families 
will  not  perish  from  hunger;  our  sons  and  daughters  will 
be  provided  for.  It  is  a  well  proved  fact,  more  of  the 
sons  of  pious  ministers  become  pious  ministers  of  the 
gospel.     [Incomplete.] 

Let  us,  then,  go  to  our  several  fields  of  labor,  thanking 
God  that  we  have  such  fields,  and  resolved  to  make  them 
gardens  of  the  Lord.  Not  by  the  sweat  of  our  brow  to 
make  bread,  but  by  the  toil  of  our  souls  to  save  sinners, 
so  far  as  man  can  do  it.  Let  us  begin  anew,  and  abound 
more  and  more  in  love  and  good  works  ;  preaching  more 
zealously,  and  in  season  and  out  of  season  make  full  trial 
of  our  ministry.  Then,  whether  we  meet  again  on  earth 
— our  ministry  be  abridged  or  lengthened — when  we  meet 
before  the  Lord,  it  will  be  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief. 

State  of  the  Country. — Bishop  Meade's  father,  who,  as 
has  been  related,  was  aid-de-camp  to  General  Washington, 
was  a  Federalist  of  the  old  school.  The  principles  and 
patriotism  of  the  son  were  part  of  his  patrimony.  They 
commended  themselves,  in  due  time,  to  his  own  intelligent 
conviction,  and,  as  he  came  to  maturity,  grew  with  his 
growth,  and  strengthened  with  his  strength.  They  had 
his  conscience  and  affection  also,  and  became  part  of  his 
religion^  or  they  were  so  happily  fused,  that  his  patriot- 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  491 

ism  was  religious,  and  his  religion  patriotic.  Next  to  his 
church,  was  his  devotion  to  his  country.  To  whatever 
promoted  its  prosperity,  he  was  alive.  Any  discordant 
note  or  movement  which  affected  this,  disturbed  his 
national  sensibilities,  which  partook  of  his  general  char- 
acter, and  were  very  decided  in  their  tone.  It  was  not 
without  the  dee^^est  concern  that  he  perceived  the  strong 
sectional  antagonism  which  obtained,  and  which  was 
yearly  becoming  more  violent.  Against  this,  no  matter  in 
which  quarter  of  its  manifestation,  he  testified,  in  language 
of  decided  condemnation  and  solemn  warning. 

Whatever  may  have  been  his  views  on  the  subject  of 
secession  as  a  right,  he  was,  with  the  great  majority  of 
the  people  of  Virginia,  opposed  to  it  in  fact,  and,  as  the 
danger  became  more  imminent,  exerted  himself  the  more 
to  prevent  the  apprehended  evil.  At  home  he  spoke  with 
no  uncertain  sound.  To  his  correspondents  in  the  North, 
he  wrote  as  one  deeply  anxious  to  avoid  the  apprehended 
calamity,  and,  even  to  brethren  in  England,  he  appealed 
for  their  aid  in  changing  the  current  of  public  sentiment, 
which  was  sweeping  the  country  into  evils  most  devoutly 
to  be  deprecated. 

In  his  address  at  the  dedication  of  the  Seminary  Build- 
ings, alluding  to  the  generous  donation  of  the  Messrs. 
Aspinwall,  he  said,  "We  were  the  more  ready  to  accept 
the  proffered  donation,  because  well  assured  that  it  was 
suggested  and  offered,  not  only  in  approbation  of  the 
views  entertained  and  taught  in  this  place,  but  in  a  spirit 
of  the  truest  patriotism,  and  most  enlarged  philanthropy, 
by  persons  who  soared  above  all  party  and  sectional  dis- 
tinction in  our  country,  and  desired  to  patronize  an  insti- 
tution which  might  continue  to  be,  what  it  ever  has  been, 
a  bond  of  union  to  all  its  parts,  and,  at  the  same  time,  a 
source  whence  faithful  missionaries  should  issue  to  all  the 
lands  of  the  earth.  Such,  by  God's  blessing,  we  trust  it 
ever  ivill  be.'* 


492  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

His  letters  to  Bishop  M'llvaine  are  of  great  interest: 

Millwood,  Dec.  15,  1860. 
My  Deae  Brother  : 

Yours  of  tbe  seventh  is  just  received.  I  have  this  morning  written  to 
Dr.  Dyer  that  you  would  publish  2000  copies  of  your  pamphlet,  and  that 
you  would  tell  him  how  to  dispose  of  them.  My  plan  has  been  to  take  a 
Church  Almanac,  and  mark  the  names  of  such  of  the  clergy  as  I  wished  to 
supply,  and  send  it  to  the  printer,  or  some  one  who  would  envelope  and 
direct  them ;  you  might  not  care  to  send  to  all  the  clergy,  I  should  like 
one  hundred  myself,  and  you  could  reserve  as  many  as  you  want.  Bedell 
and  Wharton  should  have  fifty  copies  each. 

Touching  the  affairs  of  our  country,  nothing  but  a  most  remarkable  in- 
terposition of  Providence  can  save  the  Union,  and  prevent  an  incalculable 
amount  of  mischief,  poverty,  and  perhaps  bloodshed.  An  article  in  the 
last  Southern  Episcopalian,  and  the  uncommon  action  of  the  late  Presbyte- 
rian Synod,  show  that  the  Churches  sympathize  with  and  sustain  the  poli- 
ticians of  the  South.  To  a  certain,  and,  I  fear,  a  large  extent,  the  union 
of  both  Church  and  country  is  no  more,  The  division  of  the  different 
denominations  for  some  years  past  has  sadly  foreboded  the  present  unhappy 
state  of  things.  If  Christian  ministers,  a  body  of  more  intelligence  than 
any  other  in  the  land,  and  who  may  be  supposed  to  excel  all  others  in 
piety,  cannot  continue  together  to  consult  about  the  Kingdom  of  the 
Prince  of  Peace,  even  while  the  civil  rulers  have  preserved  their  union,  can 
we  expect  the  selfish  politicians  to  do  it  ?  You  see  that  I  am  almost  in 
despair.  I  am  told  that  our  clergy  in  Charleston  and  New  Orleans  speak 
and  preach  in  favor  of  disunion.  I  fear  some  of  our  Bishops  consent,  or 
why  have  we  heard  of  no  remonstrance  ?  In  a  few  days  the  die  will  be 
cast,  and  South  Carolina,  the  last  to  enter  into  the  confederacy  of  Churches 
or  States,  will  be  first  to  leave  it.  Would  that  I  could  hope  she  would  go 
alone,  and  not  be  followed.  I  will  think  and  pray  on  the  subject  you  have 
proposed  to  me,  though  as  yet  I  see  no  path  of  action  opened  to  me.  It 
may  be  that  South  Carolina  can  be  induced  to  suspend  action  for  a  few 
months,  and  then  will  be  the  time  for  something.  Meanwhile,  I  should  re- 
joice to  have  something  from  your  pen,  which  might  serve  as  a  help  to 
Bishop  Brownell. 

Most  truly,  yours  in  the  Lord, 

W.  Mbadb. 

In  the  Southern  Churchman,  of  last  week,  you  will  see  a  form  of  prayer 
for  the  present  crisis,  and  a  circular  about  our  Education  Society,  in  which 
my  sentiments  as  to  union  are  set  forth. 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  493 

MiLLWOod,  Jan.  12,  1861. 

My  Dear  Brother  : 

Your  last  came  by  yesterday's  mail.  I  sympathize  with  you  in  your 
feelings  as  to  the  present  state  of  our  country,  though  I  believe  that  good 
sense,  self  interest,  religion,  and  other  things  will  prevail,  through  God's 
good  Providence,  to  avert  the  calamity  of  disunion ;  still  it  is  proper  to 
use  all  proper  preventives  on  our  part.  The  address  you  propose  may 
have  some  effect,  and  might  even  turn  the  wavering  scale. 

I  hope  our  Bishops  would  all  concur  in  it.  I  should  like  to  have  had 
more  time  for  consideration,  but  as  you  ask  an  immediate  reply,  I  will  say 
thus  much,  that  I  prefer  your  drawing  up  the  letters,  and  think  God  has 
called  you  to  it,  putting  the  thought  and  desire  in  your  heart.  Bishop 
Brownell  is  too  old  and  feeble  in  mind  and  body  to  do  it.  He  would 
doubtless  unite  in  it,  for  I  see  that  his  name  stood  first  on  the  list  of  per- 
sons calling  for  a  union  meeting  at  Hartford  some  time  since.  ***-*♦ 
If  you  will  draw  up  one  and  send  it  to  me,  and  I  approve  the  plan  after 
more  consideration,  I  will  send  it  to  Bishops  Brownell  and  Hopkins  for 
their  concurrence,  or  rejection.  It  ought  to  be  short,  not  political  or  argu- 
mentative— an  entreaty  and  warning. 

I  send  you  our  new  Governor's  inaugural  address,  which  will  show  his 
views  as  to  the  probability  of  disunion.  It  strikes  me  as  assuming  too 
much  on  that  side — that  it  is  not  well  to  treat  disunion  as  so  probable  an 
event;  we  should  beware  of  that  in  our  address. 

Hoping  soon  to  hear  from  you,  I  commend  you  and  your  plan  to  the 
guidance  and  blessing  of  Heaven. 

Yours  truly, 

W.  Meade. 

January  Ibth. — "Through  mistake  or  neglect,  the  above  was  not  sent 
to  the  post-office,  as  intended,  for  the  first  mail.  On  thinking  over  the 
subject  since,  it  has  occurred  to  me  that  perhaps  some  of  our  Bishops 
might  not  enter  fally  with  us  into  our  views,  and  might  object  to  be  put 
into  the  position  of  recusants,  if  not  signing  it.  Were  we  all  together  for 
consultation,  it  would  be  easier  to  decide  the  question.  Possibly,  the  trial 
might  betray  some  difference  of  sentiment  not  now  apparent,  or  supposed 
to  be  even  probable.  Any  approach  to  meddling  in  politics  is  considered 
non  episcopal.  Perhaps  your  first  plan  of  a  pastoral  address  to  your  own 
people  might  be  the  best  as  an  example  to  the  Bishops ;  though  I  expect 
some,  both  North  and  South,  would  be  unwilling  to  contradict  the  opin- 
ions and  feelings  of  a  number  of  their  people. 

I  have  just  set  down  my  thoughts  hastily  for  your  consideration.  I  still 
think  that  self-interest  with  the  men  of  the  world,  religion  with  the  pious, 
and  patriotism  with  the  few  who  know  the  feeling,  will  save  us." 


494  MEMOIR.  OP   BISHOP   MEADE. 

Richmond,  3Iay  8,  1861. 
My  Dear  Brother  : 

Most  cordially  do  I  recipi'ocate  all  that  you  say  as  to  the  probable  separ- 
ation between  us  in  national  and  ecclesiastical  associations ;  but  I  feel  an 
assured  confidence  that  such  separation  will  never  affect  in  the  slightest 
degree  the  aifectionate  intercourse,  and  entire  agreement  which  has  ever 
existed  between  us.  Still,  it  is  most  distressing  to  think  that  any  such 
change  will  occur,  as  I  fear  is  too  probable. 

A  meeting  of  delegates  from  the  Southern  Dioceses  is  called,  for  the  4th 
of  July,  at  Montgomery,  which  will,  I  suppose,  inaugurate  a  Southern 
General  Convention. 

In  relation  to  the  late  secession  of  students  from  our  Seminary,  I  have  heard 
from  several  students  and  others,  that  a  most  friendly  relation  subsisted 
between  the  Northern  and  Southern  students  to  the  last,  and  that  the 
parting  scene  was  a  touching  one.  It  had  been  determined  some  time  before, 
that  in  case  of  the  secession  of  Virginia,  it  would  be  prudent  on  the  part  of 
the  Northern  students  to  leave,  as  it  would  be  impossible  to  tell  what  would 
be  the  effect  of  the  act  in  many  ways.  The  Southern  students  left  two 
weeks  after,  as  also  the  High  School  boys.  The  account  of  it  in  the  New 
York  papers  was  a  gross  mistake,  and  was  contradicted  by  the  Southern 
Churchman. 

I  have  run  down  for  a  day  to  this  place,  in  order  to  ascertain  more  accu- 
rately the  state  of  our  affairs.  All  Eistern  Virginia  is  in  continual  ex- 
pectation of  assaults  from  the  Federal  forces,  at  one  or  two  of  various  points. 
We  are  as  yet  unprepared  for  a  proper  defence,  and  may  suffer  much  for 
some  time,  but  final  success  in.maintaining  a  state  of  secession  is  undoubted. 
I  have  slowly  and  reluctantly  come  to  the  conclusion,  that  we  must  separ- 
ate. May  God  overrule  all  for  the  furtherance  of  the  gospel,  and  the  true 
welfare  of  our  country. 

I  have  just  received  your  letter,  and  answer  it  by  candle-light  (contrary 
to  the  welfare  of  my  eyes),  as  I  must  leave  early  in  the  morning,  1  have 
moved  the  Convention  from  Alexandria  to  Richmond,  and  expect  to  be 
here  again  on  the  15th,  if  war  does  not  prevent. 

Most  truly,  yours  in  Christ. 

W.  Meade. 


Richmond,  May  lY,  1861. 
My  Dear  Brother  : 

The  transfer  of  Mr. is  just  received  and  accepted.     I  enclose  you  my 

views  of  the  present  crisis.     You  will  see  where  we  differ. 

We  are  in  daily  expectation  of  an  invasion  from  the  Federal  forces  in 
various  points.  They  outnumber  us  greatly,  and  have  many  advantages, 
but  will  be  met  with  courage  and  determination  by  those  who  believe  that 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  495 

they  are  unjustly  and  wantonly  assailed.  Virginia  may  soon  be  drenched 
with  the  blood  of  the  flower  of  her  youth,  and  the  strength  of  her  manhood. 
The  piety  of  all  denominations,  especially  of  our  Church,  will  be  well  repre- 
sented.    In  great  haste,  and  with  true  love. 

Yours  truly, 

W.  Meade. 

The  following  extracts  from  a  few  of  his  letters  to  the 
Assistant  Bishop,  which  were  rescued  from  the  destruction 
to  which  his  library  and  many  valuable  papers  were  con- 
signed, are  of  the  same  tone,  and  show  the  mind  of  Bishop 
Meade  in  reference  to  the  sad  state  of  civil  affairs,  then 
hastening  to  a  crisis  : 

Dec.  9,  I860. 
My  Dear  Brother  : 

The  Governor  having  refused  to  appoint  a  Fast-day,  the  clergy  of  Rich- 
mond have  agreed  on  one,  and  have  united  on  that  day.  I  wish  I  could 
have  had  you  for  consultation.  Time  and  circumstances  did  not  even  allow 
my  sending  these  through  you.  I  fear,  however,  that  all  will  be  of  no 
avail,  and  that  God  will  not  grant  our  prayer."  Quern  Deus  vult perdere, 
prius  dementat. 


Millwood,  Jan.  4,  1861. 
"  The  news  from  the  Virginia  Legislature  is  somewhat  cheering,  and  I 
hope  this  evening's  mail  will  bring  something  of  the  same  kind  from 
Congress." 


{Without  date).  "  I  am  almost  in  despair  about  the  Union.  The  action 
of  the  Episcopal  and  Presbyterian  Clergy  in  South  Carolina,  as  seen  in  the 
Southern  Episcopalian  and  other  papers,  settles  the  point,"  *'  If  the  clergy  in 
other  denominations,  after  quarrelling  for  so  many  years  on  the  subject  of 
slavery,  were  obliged  or  preferred  to  separate,  can  we  expect  anything  else 
of  half  the  politicians  and  people.  The  Churches  are  the  most  guilty,  before 
God. 

Yours  truly, 

W.  Meade. 

The  extracts  are  few  and  brief,  but  nothing  more  is 
needed  to  show  the  strong  Union  feeling  of  the  writer ; 
and  such,  without  the  slightest  abatement,  continued  to 
be  his  spirit  up  to  the  day  when   he  received  intelligence 


496  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

of  the  proclamation  which  declared  the  coercive  policy  of 
the  General  Government,  and  called  for  an  army  to  carry 
that  policy  into  effect.  This  action,  which  united  the 
South  in  resistance  of  invasion,  completely  changed  the 
views  and  feelings  of  the  Bishop.  His  convictions  of  duty 
now  accorded  with  the  course  to  which  his  State  had  been 
driven,  and  although  his  sense  of  professional  propriety 
prevented  him  from  any  active  participation  in  its  defence, 
he  believed  it  to  be  right,  and  with  deep  sorrow  of  soul 
for  the  sad  necessity,  gave  it  his  warm  sympathy  and  de- 
cided approval. 

The  correctness  of  this  representation  is  rendered  un- 
questionable by  his  own  communication  to  the  Conven- 
tion of  his  Diocese,  which  met  in  Eichmond,  May  16, 1861. 

Having  disposed  of  matters  usually  embraced  in  the 
Address  required  by  the  Canons,  he  proceeds : 

"  I  now  ask  your  attention  to  a  few  remarks  concerning 
the  present  unhappy  condition  of  our  State  and  country. 

"  My  brethren  and  friends  will  bear  me  witness,  how 
carefully  I  have  ever  avoided,  in  all  my  communications, 
the  least  reference  to  anything  partaking  of  a  political 
character,  and  how  I  have  earnestly  warned  my  younger 
brethren  against  the  danger  of  injuring  the  effect  of  their 
sacred  ministry  by  engaging  in  discussions  which  are  so 
apt  to  disturb  the  peace  of  society.  But  in  the  present 
circumstances  of  our  country,  the  cause  of  religion  is  so 
deeply  involved,  that  I  feel  not  only  justified,  but  con- 
strained, to  offer  a  few  remarks  for  your  consideration. 

"  It  has  pleased  God  to  permit  a  great  calamity  to  come 
upon  us.  Our  whole  country  is  preparing  for  war.  Our 
own  State,  after  failing  in  her  earnest  effort  for  the  pro- 
motion of  peace,  is,  perhaps,  more  actively  engaged  in  all 
needful  measures  for  maintaining  the  position  which  she 
has,  after  much  consideration,  deliberately  assumed,  than 
any  portion  of  the  land. 

"A  deeper  and  more  honest  conviction,  that  if  war 


•  MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  497 

should  actually  come  upon  us,  it  will  be,  on  our  part,  one 
of  self-defence,  and,  therefore,  justifiable  before  God,  sel- 
dom, if  ever,  animated  the  breasts  of  those  who  appealed 
to  arms.  From  this  consideration,  and  from  my  know- 
ledge of  the  character  of  our  people,  I  believe  that  the 
object  sought  for  will  be  most  perse veringly  pursued, 
whatever  sacrifice  of  life,  and  comfort,  and  treasure  may 
be  required.  Nor  do  I  entertain  any  doubt  as  to  the  final 
result,  though  I  shudder  at  the  thought  of  what  may  in- 
tervene before  that  result  is  secured.  May  God  in  great 
mercy,  and  with  His  mighty  power,  interpose,  and  grant 
us  speedy  peace  instead  of  protracted  war ! 

''  But  can  it  be,  that  at  this  period  of  the  world,  when 
so  many  prayers  are  offered  up  for  the  establishment  of 
Christ's  kingdom  in  all  the  earth,  and  such  high  hopes  are 
entertained  that  the  zealous  efforts  put  forth  will  be  suc- 
cessful, and  our  country  be  one  of  the  most  effective  and 
honored  instruments  for  producing  the  same, — that  the 
great  work  shall  be  arrested  by  such  fratricidal  war,  as 
that  which  is  now  so  seriously  threatened  ?  Is  there  not 
room  enough  for  us  all  to  dwell  together  in  peace  in  this 
widely-extended  country,  so  large  a  portion  of  which  is 
yet  unsettled,  and  may  not  be  until  the  world  that  now  is 
shall  be  no  more  ?  The  families  or  nations  which  sprung 
from  two  venerable  patriarchs  of  old,  could  find  room 
enough  in  the  little  pent-up  land  of  Judea  to  live  in  peace, 
by  going  the  one  to  one  hand,  and  the  other  to  the  oppo- 
site. At  a  later  period,  when  Israel  and  Judah  separated, 
and  the  latter,  having  the  city  and  temple  in  possession, 
and  the  supremacy,  according  to  prophecy,  was  preparing 
to  go  up  against  the  former  and  reduce  the  people  to  sub- 
mission, and  bring  them  back  to  union,  the  Lord  himself 
came  down  and  forbade  it,  saying  :  '  Thou  shalt  not  go  up 
nor  fight  against  your  brethren,  the  children  of  Israel. 
Ecturn  every  man  to  his  house,  for  this  thing  is  of  me.' 
And  they  hearkened  unto  the  Lord,  and  ever  after,  the 


498  MEMOIR   or   BISHOP    MEADE. 

history  of  the  two  kingdoms  is  written  in  the  same  vol- 
ume, in  which  are  also  recorded  the  evidences  of  God's 
favor  to  both ;  and  though  sometimes  at  controversy,  yet 
how  often  were  they  found  side  by  side  defending  the 
ancient  boundaries  of  Judea  against  surrounding  nations. 
Grod  grant  that  our  country  may  learn  a  lesson  from  this 
sacred  narrative  !  Let  none  think  that  I  am  unmindful  of 
law  and  order,  and  of  the  blessings  of  union.  I  was 
trained  in  a  different  school.  I  have  clung  with  tenacity 
to  the  hope  of  preserving  the  Union  to  the  last  moment. 
If  I  know  my  own  heart,  could  the  sacrifice  of  the  poor 
remnant  of  my  life  have  contributed  in  any  degree  to  its 
maintenance,  such  sacrifice  would  have  been  cheerfully 
made.  But  the  developments  of  public  feeling,  and  the 
course  of  our  rulers,  have  brought  me  slowly,  reluctantly, 
sorrowfully,  yet  most  decidedly,  to  the  painful  conviction, 
that,  notwithstanding  attendant  dangers  and  evils,  we 
shall  consult  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  the  whole  land 
by  separation.  And  who  can  desire  to  retain  a  Union 
which  has  become  so  hateful,  ai^d  by  the  application  of 
armed  force,  which,  if  successful,  would  make  it  ten  times 
more  hateful,  and  soon  lead  to  the  repetition  of  the  same 
bloody  contests  ? 

"  I  trust,  therefore,  that  the  present  actual  separation 
of  so  many  and  such  important  portions  of  our  country 
may  take  place  without  further  collision,  which  might 
greatly  hinder  the  establishment  of  the  most  friendly  and 
intimate  relations  which  can  exist  with  separate  establish- 
ments. I  trust  that  our  friends  at  a  distance,  and  now  in 
opposition  to  us,  will  most  seriously  review  their  judgment, 
and  inquire  whether  the  evils  resulting  from  a  war  to  sus- 
tain their  wishes  and  opinions  as  to  a  single  confederacy, 
will  not  far  exceed  those  apprehended  from  the  establish- 
ment of  a  second  —  an  event  far  more  certain  than  the  re- 
sult of  the  American  Revolution  at  the  time  of  its  occur- 
rence. 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  499 

In  connection  with  this  civil  and  geographical  sej^ara- 
tion  in  our  country,  and  almost  necessarily  resulting  from 
it,  the  subject  of  some  change  of  the  ecclesiastical  rela- 
tions of  our  Diocese  must  come  under  consideration. 
There  is  a  general  and  a  strong  desire,  I  believe,  to  retain 
as  much  as  possible  of  our  past  and  present  happy  inter- 
course with  those  from  whom  we  shall  be  in  other  matters 
divided.  A  meeting  is  already  proposed  for  this  purpose 
in  one  of  the  seceded  States,  whose  plans,  so  far  as  devel- 
oped, I  will  submit  to  the  consideration  of  this  body  at  its 
present  session. 

"  I  cannot  conclude  without  expressing  the  earnest  de- 
sire that  the  ministers  and  members  of  our  Church,  and 
all  the  citizens  of  our  State,  who  are  so  deeply  interested 
in  the  present  contest,  may  conduct  it  in  the  most  elevated 
Christian  spirit,  rising  above  uncharitable  and  indiscrimi- 
nate imputations  on  all  who  are  opposed.  Many  there 
are,  equally  sincere,  on  both  sides,  as  there  ever  have  been 
in  all  the  wars  and  controversies  that  have  been  waged  on 
earth ;  though  it  does  not  follow  that  all  have  the  same 
grounds  of  justice  and  truth  on  which  to  base  their  war- 
fare. 

"  It  was  the  maxim  of  an  ancient  sage,  that  we  should 
always  treat  our  friends  as  those  who  might  one  day  be 
our  enemies,  and  to  treat  our  enemies  as  those  who  may 
one  day  be  our  friends.  While  abhorring,  as  I  am  sure  we 
all  do,  the  former  part  of  this  cold-hearted  maxim,  let  us 
cherish  and  adopt  the  latter,  so  congenial  with  the  spirit 
of  our  holy  religion.  The  thought  of  even  a  partial  separ- 
ation from  those  who  have  been  so  long  dear  to  me,  is 
anguish  to  my  soul.  But  there  is  a  union  of  heart  in  our 
common  faith  and  hope  which  can  never  be  broken.  The 
Church  iu  Virginia  has  more  dear  friends  and  generous 
patrons  amongst  those  who  are  on  the  opposite  side  of  this 
painful  controversy  than  any  other,  and  feels  most  deeply 
the  unhappy  position  in  which  we  are  placed. 


500  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

"  As  our  State  has,  to  its  high  praise,  endeavored  to 
avert  the  evils  now  threatened,  so  may  our  Church,  and 
all  the  others  in  Virginia,  by  prayer  and  the  exercise  of 
true  charity,  endeavor  to  diminish  that  large  amount  of 
prejudice  and  ill-will  which  so  unhappily  abounds  in  our 
land. 

"  Let  me,  in  conclusion,  commend  to  your  special  prayers 
all  those  who  have  devoted  themselves  to  the  defence  of 
the  State.  From  personal  knowledge  of  many  of  them, 
and  from  the  information  of  others,  there  is,  already,  I 
believe,  a  large  portion  of  religious  principle  and  genuine 
piety  to  be  found  among  them.  I  rejoice  to  learn  that  in 
many  companies,  not  only  are  the  services  of  chaplains 
and  other  ministers  earnestly  sought  for,  but  social  prayer 
meetings  held  among  themselves.  Our  own  Church  has  a 
very  large  proportion  of  communicants  among  the  officers 
of  our  army,  and  not  a  few  among  the  soldiers.  Let  us 
pray  that  grace  may  be  given  them  to  be  faithful  soldiers 
of  the  Cross,  as  well  as  valiant  and  successful  defenders  of 
the  State. 

"  If  all  of  us  do  our  part  faithfully,  and  according  to  the 
principles  of  our  holy  religion,  we  may  confidently  leave 
the  issue  with  Grod,  who  will  overrule  all  for  good." — 
(Journal,  1861.) 

This  admirable  address,  so  expressive  of  the  composure 
and  clearness,  and  charity  and  active  piety  of  the  Bishop, 
at  a  time  when  the  storm  of  political  excitement  was  coming 
to  its  height,  and  sweeping  with  disturbing  power  even 
the  Church  itself,  possesses  a  permanent  and  very  peculiar 
interest,  and  it  presents  the  character  of  its  author  in  an 
elevation,  easier  to  be  admired,  than  attained. 

The  committee  to  whom  it  was  referred  reported  the 
following  resolutions,  which  were  unanimously  adopted : 

"  1.  Resolved,  That  this  Convention,  having  heard  with 
deep  interest  the  true  and  timely  statements  of  our  vener- 


MEMOIR  OF   BISHOP    MEADE.  501 

able  Diocesan,  in  reference  to  the  present  political  and  ec- 
clesiastical condition  of  our  affairs,  cordially  concur  in  the 
views  presented,  and  sympathize  fully  in  the  kind  and 
Christian  spirit  in  which  they  are  so  wisely  declared. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  a  committee,  consisting  of  the  two 
Bishops,  three  other  clergymen,  and  three  laymen,  be  ap- 
pointed, as  a  provisional  committee,  to  act  during  the  re- 
cess of  the  Convention  on  all  matters  connected  with  our 
relations  to  other  Dioceses,  and  the  clerical  and  lay  mem- 
bers of  the  Committee  shall  serve  as  delegates  in  any  Con- 
vention which  may  be  agreed  upon  by  other  similarly 
situated  Dioceses.  All  the  proceedings  of  this  Committee 
to  be  reported  for  the  approval  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia. 

"J.  Johns, 

"  William  Sparrow, 

"J.  Grammer, 

"Thos.  S.  G-hoslston, 

"James  Calt, 

"E.  H.  Cunningham." 

In  the  Fall  of  1861,  the  Bishop  wrote  an  appeal,  which 
will  suflEiciently  explain  itself  and  furnish  another  evidence 
of  his  humane  consideration  for  others,  and  his  readiness 
to  deny  himself  in  providing  for  their  necessities. 

''  Dear  Brethren  and  Friends  : 

The  approach  of  winter,  at  all  times,  admonishes  us  to  make  some 
preparation  in  the  way  of  clothing  and  covering  for  ourselves  and  families, 
lest  we  suffer,  either  by  day  or  night,  from  the  severity  of  the  weather. 
On  those  who  abound  in  such  things,  the  duty  devolves  of  remembering 
the  claims  of  the  poor  and  suffering.  A  most  urgent  appeal  is  made  to  us 
now,  in  view  of  the  approaching  winter,  for  suitable  covering  for  our  soldiers, 
when  their  only  houses  may  be  light  tents.  Our  peculiar  circumstances 
render  it  impossible  to  obtain  a  supply  of  blankets  and  coverlids  in  the 
usual  way,  and  through  former  channels,  and  the  families  of  Virginia  have 
been  called  on  to  examine  their  household  stores,  and  from  them  draw  forth 
the  needed  supply.  I' doubt  not  but  that  this  call  has  already  been  heard, 
and  in  a  good  degree  answered,  but  feeling  anxious  that  those  who  are  in 


502 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 


some  measure  committed  to  my  spiritual  care,  should  abound  in  this  liber- 
ality, I  have  determined  to  address  a  few  words  to  them,  rather  as  sug- 
gestive of  the  mode  of  performing  this  duty,  than  as  exhorting  to  the  duty 
itself;  believing  that  to  the  latter,  there  is  little  or  no  need  of  exhortation. 

It  has  pleased  Providence  to  bless  a  large  portion  of  those  whom  I  address 
with  the  means  of  a  generous  hospitality,  by  day  and  by  night,  in  winter 
and  in  summer,  which  they  delight  to  exercise.  Their  bedrooms  are 
abundantly  supplied  with  coverings  in  a  cold  winter  night  for  numerous 
guests,  more  numerous  oftentimes  than  the  demands  of  charity  require. 
Let  us  look  over  our  stores,  and  see  whether  in  the  present  emergency  some 
articles  might  not  be  spared  to  the  soldiers  who  are  fighting  for  our  dearest 
rights,  even  though  our  accustomed  hospitality  be,  for  a  time,  somewhat 
diminished.  And  if  we  have  already  done  this,  and  more  be  needed,  let 
us  look  down  upon  our  floors  and  see  if  some  of  those  luxuries  of  which  our 
Revolutionary  fathers  were  ignorant,  might  not,  if  necessity  exists,  be  con- 
verted into  the  means  of  affording  comfort  to  the  soldier  in  his  tent. 

I  am  well  aware  how  much  our  mothers,  wives,  sisters  and  daughters 
have  done  in  behalf  of  the  poor,  the  sick  and  the  wounded,  and  how  cheer- 
fully they  have  done  it,  and  how  much  the  young  and  the  old  of  our  own 
sex  have  sacrificed  in  this  cause ;  how  much  more  they  are  prepared  to 
sacrifice,  and,  therefore,  I  am  sure  that  they  will  rightly  receive  these  sug- 
gestions. It  is  only  in  this  way  that  I  can  contribute  my  mite  to  the 
furtherance  of  that  war  of  self-defence,  which  has  been  forced  upon  us,  and 
which  is  waged  in  such  a  manner  as  to  show  that  all  our  energies  are  re- 
quired to  secure  to  ourselves  and  transmit  to  our  children  those  blessings 
which  our  forefathers  purchased  for  us,  by  similar  labors  and  sufferings. 
Commending  you  and  our  cause  to  the  blessing  of  that  God,  without  whom 
all  our  efforts  and  suffering  will  fail, 

I  remain, 

Your  friend  and  brother, 

William  Meade, 
Bishop  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  of  Virginia." 

The  extreme  Southern  Dioceses  had  early  entered  upon 
the  formation  of  a  separate  ecclesiastical  organization 
within  the  limits  of  the  Confederacy.  Meetings  had  been 
held,  committees  appointed,  a  draft  of  a  constitution  and 
a  body  of  canons  prepared,  and  a  provisional  Convention 
called,  to  meet  in  Columbia,  South  Carolina,  in  IS'ovember 
1861,  to  which  all  the  Southern  Dioceses  were  requested  to 
send  delegates,  and  all  the  Bishops  were  invited  to  be 
present.     The  Diocese  of  Virginia  had  therefore  taken  no 


MEMOIR    or   BISHOP    MEADE.  503 

part  in  the  preliminary  movement.  By  the  adoption  of 
the  2nd  Eesolution  reported  by  the  special  Committee  on 
the  Bishop's  Address  of  1851,  and  the  election  of  a  pro- 
visional committee  to  act  for  the  Diocese  after  the  ad- 
journment of  the  Convention,  and  also  to  represent  the 
Diocese  in  any  Convention  which  might  assemble  the 
Diocese  was  in  a  position  of  readiness  to  act  as  circum- 
stances might  require. 

When  the  Convention  assembled  in  Columbia,  the  Bishops 
of  Virginia,  with  the  clerical  and  lay  delegates,  were  there, 
and  took  part  in  the  last  review  of  the  constitutions  and 
canons,  which  were  afterwards  adopted  by  the  conventions 
of  the  several  dioceses,  and  because  the  Law  of  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  Church  in  the  Southern  Confederacy. 

In  anticipation  of  that  Convention,  Bishop  Meade  com- 
mitted to  paper  his  thoughts  on  certain  matters  as  proper 
to  be  considered. 

"  Some  thoughts  in  view  of  the  proposed  and  probable 
connection  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  with  those  of  the 
other  seceded  States." 

"  It  has  pleased  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  to  give  to 
the  Diocese  of  Virginia  a  peculiar  history  among  her  sis- 
ter Dioceses,  both  before  and  since  our  civil  and  ecclesias- 
tical severance  from  England.  In  point  of  numbers,  both 
as  to  the  clergy  and  laity,  she  was  far  before  all  others, 
under  the  colonial  establishment,  and  her  influence  on  the 
Eevolution  was  in  due  proportion.  Her  fall,  from  power 
and  numbers,  was  also  great  in  like  proportion,  so  that,  in 
a  few  years  after,  she  had  scarce  a  name  to  live,  and  was 
despaired  of  by  the  rest  of  the  Church  in  the  General 
Convention  of  1808. 

God,  in  His  wisdom  and  goodness  (who  chooses  ofttimes 
to  use  weak  things,  and  things  that  are  not,  to  efi'ect  His 
most  gracious  purposes),  determined  to  put  life  into  the 
dry  bones  of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  or,  at  least,  to 
strengthen  the  things  that  remained,  and  were  ready  to 


504  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

die,  and  to  make  use  of  her  for  no  little  good,  not  only 
among  the  citizens  of  Virginia,  attached  to  our  own  and 
other  denominations,  but  also  to  many  beyond  the  bounds 
of  our  State,  especially  to  those  of  our  communion. 

This  He  has  done  by  raising  up  a  number  of  pious  and 
evangelical  young  ministers  in  Virginia,  and  elsewhere, 
and  sending  them  to  our  vineyard,  especially  by  placing 
over  us  a  zealous  Bishop,  (Bishop  Moore,)  who  presented 
the  Gospel  instead  of  a  mere  moral  system,  such  as  was 
too  common  with  many  ministers  at  that  day,  both  in 
England  and  America. 

But  the  great  instrument  for  giving  the  Church  in  Vir- 
ginia an  influence  for  good  in  our  own  State,  and  else- 
where, was  the  establishment  of  a  Theological  Seminary. 

While  most  other  Dioceses  wished  and  endeavored  to 
establish  a  general  Seminary,  to  which  candidates  from 
all  parts  of  the  Church  should  be  sent,  and  where  the 
greatest  uniformity  of  sentiment  should  be  promoted 
under  the  same  Professors  and  Trustees,  the  Church  of 
Virginia,  fearing  some  evil  effects  of  this  system,  and  see- 
ing many  advantages  in  having  a  school  of  her  own,  de- 
termined upon  the  effort  to  establish  the  same,  which,  by 
the  blessing  of  God,  has  been  most  happily  successful. 

For  the  same  reason,  the  Bishops,  clergy,  and  laity  of 
Virginia,  in  the  General  Councils  of  the  Church,  and  else- 
w^here,  have  opposed  the  consolidation  of  power  in  the 
General  Convention,  whether  as  to  the  training  of  minis- 
ters, the  publication  of  books  and  tracts,  the  management 
of  Sunday  schools,  the  conduct  of  missions,  foreign  or  do- 
mestic. Experience  has  confirmed  us  in  the  wisdom  of 
such  a  course.  We  have  seen  that  confusion,  unhappiness, 
strife  and  disa^^pointment  have  attended  the  contrary. 

A  civil  division  which  has  taken  place  in  our  country, 
leading  to  the  proposal  for  a  new  ecclesiastical  confedera- 
tion, imposes  upon  us  the  duty  of  considering  what  old 
things  are  to  be  retained,  and  what  new  things  to  be  in- 
troduced. 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  505 

In  a  reconstruction  of  our  ecclesiastical  system,  we  have 
the  benefit  of  the  experience  of  more  than  three-fourths 
of  a  century,  during  which  the  trial  of  the  best  means  of 
promoting  the  welfare  of  our  Zion  has  been  diligently 
made.  The  successes  and  the  failures  of  ourselves  and 
our  fathers  are  before  us,  and  it  becomes  us  to  learn  wis- 
dom from  the  same. 

Oar  earliest  fathers,  with  a  wise  foresight,  warned 
against  too  much  legislation  on  the  part  of  the  General 
Convention,  as  endangering  the  most  attainable  unity  in 
sentiment  and  action  through  our  widely  extended  Church. 
Such  warning  has  not  been  lost  upon  the  Church.  Though 
experiments  have  been  made  in  the  way  of  consolidation, 
they  have  been-found  so  productive  of  discord,  and  have 
so  failed  of  effect,  that  they  have  been  either  relinquished, 
or  modified  in  their  execution,  so  as  to  prove  the  wisdom 
of  our  fathers,  and  to  furnish  no  encouragement  for  their 
repetition. 

So  strong  is  the  opposition  to  the  consolidation  of  power 
in  any  central  representative  body,  in  our  Southern  mind, 
arising  from  the  past  and  present  history  of  the  United 
States,  that  there  can  be  little  danger  of  our  erring  much 
in  the  way  of  attempting  undue  legislation,  or  of  placing 
too  much  power  in  the  hands  of  any  agency  of  our  South- 
ern Ecclesiastical  Convention. 

Voluntary  associations,  or  Diocesan    societies,  in  which 
individuals  or  congregations  may  exercise  their  charities 
and  put  forth  their  efforts  in  such  manner  as  shall  seem 
most  likely  to  effect  most  good,  will  doubtless  be  encour- 
aged. 

The  Bishops,  clergy,  and  laity  of  Virginia  will  never 
surely  relinquish  to  any  other  confederation,  that  liberty 
of  action  for  which  they  have  so  long  and  successfully 
contended  under  our  former  one,  and  by  which  they  have 
effected  so  much  good  in  our  own  Diocese  and  in  the 
Church  at  large.  In  nothing  has  the  doctrines  and  con. 
22 


506  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

diiot  of  Yirginia  been  more  approved  and  followed  by 
others  throughout  the  land,  than  in  regard  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  seminaries  and  other  associations  of  a  Dio- 
cesan character,  independent  of  the  General  Convention. 

Our  Bishops,  and  other  delegates  to  the  meeting  at 
Columbia,  will  doubtless  see  that  no  power  of  usefulness 
belonging  to  the  Diocese  of  Yirginia  be  surrendered  into 
other  hands,  and  thus  be  a  cause  of  future  strife. 

The  subject  of  representation,  which  has  been  the  sub- 
ject of  recrimination  and  complaint  for  the  last  forty 
years,  will  doubtless  be  considered,  and  equitably  settled. 
Some  difficulties  in  the  way  of  it  in  the  old  confederation 
will,  I  think,  be  so  diminished  in  our  new,  as  to  present 
no  serious  hindrance  to  the  disposition  of  this  part  of  the 
subject." 

'No  General  Theological  Seminary  was  proposed  or  de- 
sired. No  General  Missionary  Society  connected  with  the 
General  Council  was,  or  could  have  been,  organized.  The 
ratio  of  representation,  which  he  wished  to  have  equitably 
adjusted,  found  no  favor.  Yet  the  statement  of  his  views 
is  too  important  to  be  omitted  here,  and  may  yet  be  of 
service  to  the  Church. 


Bishop  Meade,  being  by  date  of  consecration,  the  senior 
of  the  Southern  Bishops,  was  the  Presiding  Bishop  of  the 
Church  in  the  Confederate  States..  The  only  service  per- 
taining to  this  position  which  he  had  occasion  to  perform, 
was  that  which  was  connected  with  the  consecration  of 
the  Eev.  R.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  Bishop  elect  of  Alabama. 
The  frequent  occupancy  of  the  railroads  for  military  pur- 
poses, interfered  with  the  regular  transmission  of  letters, 
and  rendered  travelling  very  uncertain,  so  that  the  requis- 
ite arrangements  were  not  made  without  difficulty  and  de- 
lay.    It  was  ascertained  that  the  presence  of  three  Bishops 


MEMOIR    OF   BISHOP  MEADE.  507 

could  not  be  relied  on,  unless  Eichmond  was  selected  as  the 
place  for  the  consecration,  and  the  Presiding  Bishop  be 
present  as  one  of  the  consecrators.  His  advanced  age,  his 
infirmities  at  the  time,  and  the  inclement  season,  combined 
to  render  the  journey  from  Clarke  to  Eichmond,  very 
hazardous.  But  he  was  so  impressed  with  the  importance 
of  the  object,  that  he  would  not  allow  any  personal  incon- 
venience, or  apparent  risk,  to  prevent  its  accomplishment. 
He  promptly  appointed  Eichmond  as  the  place  for  the  con- 
secration, and  engaged.  Providence  permitting,  to  preside 
in  the  service  ;  which  he  faithfully  kept,  and  on  the  6th  of 
March,  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Eichmond,  consecrated  the 
Eev.  E.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  as  Bishop  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocese  of  Alabama,  Bishops 
Elliott  and  Johns  uniting  in  the  imposition  of  hands. 

The  sad  sequel  is  furnished  in  the  funeral  Address  de- 
livered in  the  same  Church,  March  17,  by  the  Eight  Eev. 
J.  Johns,  D.  D.,  which  is  therefore  annexed,  with  the 
addition  of  notes  relative  to  particulars  not  included  in  the 
Address. 


ADDRESS. 

"And  His  dieciples  came  and  took  up  the  body,  and  buried  it,  and  went 
and  told  Jesus."— Matt.  14  :  12. 

My  Christian  Brethren  : — I  have  scarcely  courage  for  the 
sad  service  which  devolves  upon  me.  I  could  not  brace 
myself  for  the  effort,  but  for  the  special  commission  which, 
I  dare  not  decline.  A  commission  not  from  the  living,  but 
from  the  now  dead  ;  from  the  lips  of  the  honored  and  be- 
loved father  in  God,  whose  departure  has  stricken  our 
hearts  with  sorrow,  and  around  whose  mortal  remains 
we  are  assembled,  to  render  them  the  last  tribute  of  respect 
and  affection. 

My  commision  is  not  to  present  for  your  admiration  the 
rare  and  decided  excellencies  of  his  character,  and  recite 
the  deeds  of  his  remarkable  life.  All  such  eulogy,  either 
from  the  pulpit  or  the  press,  he  strongly  deprecated.     A 


508  MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE. 

just  regard  for  his  wishes  on  that  subject  repeatedly  and 
explicitly  expressed,  measurably  restrains  utterances  for 
which  every  feeling  of  my  heart  pleads,  and  which  usage, 
on  such  occasions,  authorizes  you  to  expect.  Happily, 
though  it  may  be  that  formal  panegyric  was  never  more 
deserved,  it  certainly  has  rarely,  if  ever,  been  less  needed. 
He,  who,  more  than  any  other  nian  was  honored,  as  the 
instrument  in  raising  the  Church  in  Yirginia,  from  what 
was  pronounced  hopeless  extinction,  who  gave  to.  this 
work  his  early  manhood,  his  vigorous  maturity,  and  the 
wisdom  and  efficiency  of  advanced  life,  whose  extensive 
itinerations  in  this  service  year  after  year,  for  more  than 
half  a  century,  had  made  his  name  a  household  word  and 
his  face  familiar  throughout  the  Diocese ;  his  patriarchal 
presence,  the  privilege  of  the  people,  and  his  wise  in- 
structions prized  as  precious  precepts  ;  surely  he  needs  no 
formal  panegyric.  His  praise  is  in  all  the  churches  of  his 
cure,  and  his  spiritual  children  are  his  living  epistles  of  com- 
mendation, written,  not  with  ink,  but  with  the  Spirit  of 
the  living  God — not  on  tables  of  stone,  but  in  fleshy  tables  of 
the  heart. 

It  was  unusual  to  find  our  good  Bishop  here  at  this  time 
of  the  year,  and  nothing  but  a  case  of  great  importance 
would  have  justified  his  leaving  his  home  in  the  valley, 
and  encountering  the  fatigue  and  exposure  of  the  tedious 
journey.  Such  he  deemed  the  accomplishment  of  the 
consecration  of  Dr.  Wilmer.  Bepeated  arrangements  had 
been  proposed  to  effect  it  without  the  presence  of  our 
venerable  Bishop,  for  we  were  unwilling  that  a  life  so  in- 
valuable, should  be  subjected  to  the  least  unnecessary 
danger.  But,  when  all  other  arrangements  failed,  and  he 
was  informed  that  Richmond  was  selected  for  another  ex- 
periment, which  would  also  be  unsuccessful,  for  the  want 
of  the  requisite  number  of  consecrators,  unless  he  could  be 
here,  he  thought  his  duty  clear,  and  though  laboring  under 
a  deep  seated  cold,  he  essayed,  and  accomplished  the 
journe}^  on  a  very  inclement  day,  and  under  circumstances 
of  great  discomfort.  The  result  was,  the  serious  aggra- 
vation of  his  malady,  rendering  it  exceedingly  doubtful 
whether  he  would,  after  all  his  efforts,  be  able  to  unite  in 
the  consecration.  When  the  day  appointed  came,  he  was 
in  truth  more  fitted  for  the  repose  of  his  chamber  and 
couch,  than  for  the  services  of  the  chancel.     But,  with  a 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  509 

resolution  and  energy  which  never  failed  him  when  duty 
seemed  plain,  he  roused  his  enfeebled  physical  powers  to 
action  just  adequate  to  the  emergency,  and  came  only  when 
his  presence  could  no  longer  be  dispensed  with,  and  oiSci- 
ated  merely  in  the  act  of  consecration.  As  he  moved 
slowly  up  the  aisle  to  his  seat  in  the  chancel,  the  impair- 
ment of  his  once  powerful  frame  was  aifectingly  apparent. 
And  when  the  Bishops  present  helped  him  from  his  chair 
to  his  feet,  and  supported  and  united  with  him  in  the 
imposition  of  hands,  whilst  that  voice,  once  of  such  sweet- 
ness and  compass,  now  tremulous  and  broken,  enunciated 
with  difficulty  the  Apostolic  Commission — whose  heart  was 
not  saddened  by  the  spectacle? 

It  proved  to  be  the  last  official  act  of  his  long  and 
laborious,  faithful  and  fruitful  ministry ;  an  act  to  him  of 
great  and  varied  interest  and  importance.  It  elevated  to 
the  Episcopate  the  son  of  a  valued  friend  and  fellow- 
laborer  in  the  successful  enterprise  of  resuscitating  the 
Church  in  Virginia.  It  provided  an  active  and  earnest 
and  capable  Bishop  to  supply  the  vacancy  in  the  Diocese 
of  Alabama  occasioned  by  the  death  of  the  lamented  Bishop 
Cobbs,  and  it  unmistakably  declared  the  conviction  of  the 
Church  in  the  several  Confederate  States,  that  the  dis- 
ruption of  the  civil  government  rendered  necessary  the 
cessation  of  the  general  ecclesiastical  system,  under  which, 
by  conventional  arrangement,  the  different  Dioceses  had 
been  united,  and  consequently  devolved  on  us  the  responsi- 
bility of  perpetuating  evangelical  truth  and  order  in  our 
churches,  by  independent  ecclesiastical  action.  It  was  its 
significancy  in  this  respect  that  gave  the  consecration  of 
Dr.  AVilmer  its  peculiar  interest  to  Bishop  Meade,  and  de- 
cided him  to  encounter  the  exposure  and  fatigue  of  the 
journey  to  Richmond,  leaving  the  issue  in  the  hands  of 
God.* 


*The  residence  of  Bishop  Meade  was  in  Clarke  Co.,  near  Millwood,  at 
the  western  base  of  the  Blue  Ridge  ;  a  county  of  remarkable  fertility  and 
beauty,  and  endeared  to  him  by  the  associations  of  his  youth,  and  as  the 
happy  home  where  his  children  and  his  children's  children  had  grown  up 
around  him. 

The  undulating  ground  about  the  house,  covered  with  its  rich  turf,  he 
had  adorned  with  every  variety  of  the  fir  and  cedar,  interspersed  with  the 
most  beautiful  shade  trees  which  the  nurseries  could  furnish.  The  adjacent 
garden  abounded  in  choice  grapes  and  other  fruits  of  which  the  Bishop 
was  very  fond,  and  which  he  was  gratified  to  gather  with  his  own  hand, 


510  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

The  important  object  has  been  accomplished,  but  to  ns, 
at  a  cost  which  no  one  can  compute.  The  mental  and 
corporeal  effort  required,  produced  and  prolonged  an  un- 
natural excitement  in  the  Bishop's  system,  which  at  the 
time  seemed  like  genuine  strength  returning,  and,  as  he 
mingled  so  genially  during  the  afternoon,  in  social  inter- 
course with  his  brethren,  and  friends,  under  the  roof  where 
he  had  been  received  and  cherished  with  Christian  hospi- 
tality and  filial  devotion,  we  were  ready  to  interpret  the 
whole  transaction  of  the  memorable  day,  as  a  token  for 
good,  full  of  promise.  But  our  exposition  of  the  scene,  and 
the  sequences  was  sadly  mistaken.  The  apparent  glow 
which  gladdened  us  was  not  the  animation  of  returning 
health,  but  of  the  nature  of  those  unaccountable  transient 
re-kindlings  which  precede  and  indicate  approaching  dis- 
solution. The  inspiriting  influence  of  the  impressive  oc- 
casion declined  as  the  interval  increased,  and  was  not 
renewed.  An  accession  of  disease,  an  increasing  embarrass- 
ment of  vital  organs  soon  became  apparent.* 

The  chronic  affection  of  the  heart,  of  which  for  years  he 
was  conscious,  and  from  which  he  long  expected  sudden 
death,  now  developed  itself  in  fearful  action.  For  several 
days  and  nights  his  manly  frame  bore  the  assault  with  ex- 

for  the  refreshment  of  his  visitors,  as  he  conducted  them  about  the  grounds. 

No  one  could  be  his  companion  in  these  walks,  without  perceiving  his 
strong  attachment  to  "  Mountain  View."  When  he  left  this  loved  home 
he  expected  to  be  back  in  a  few  days,  and  carried  with  him  but  a  single 
change  of  raiment.  How  mercifully  it  was  hidden  from  him,  that  the 
cherished  spot  was  soon  to  pass  under  the  control  of  the  invaders  of  our 
soil,  and  could  no  longer  be  a  home  for  him  ! 

God,  who  veiled  the  coming  sad  event  from  his  vision,  prepared  better 
things  for  his  faithful  servant;  led  him  by  a  way  he  had  not  anticipated  to 
another  "  Mountain  View,"  showed  him  the  Celestial  Hills  in  their  attrac- 
tiveness, kindled  to  greater  ardor  his  heavenly  longings,  and  then  trans- 
lated him  to  his  Father's  house,  and  its  incorruptible  inheritance,  its 
blessed  company  of  loved  ones,  and  to  Jesus,  his  Redeemer. 

His  journey  from  his  earthly  to  his  heavenly  home  was  short.  The 
single  change  of  raiment  was  sufficient.  The  vestments  of  the  way  were 
needed  but  a  few  days  ;  then  the  robes  of  light  and  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 

*0n  the  following  Monday,  (March  17,)  when  I  entered  his  room,  I 
found  him  still  in  bed.  After  some  conversation  in  reference  to  his  state  of 
health,  he  said,  "  Let  me  rise,  and  walk  a  little."  I  assisted  him  to  put 
on  a  dressing-gown.  Then,  with  his  arm  around  my  neck  for  support,  he 
moved  a  few  steps,  but  with  so  much  difficulty  that  he  begged  me  to  take 
him  back  to  his  bed  again.  When  I  laid  him  down  he  remarked,  "  It  is  all 
over,  my  strength  is  gone, ' '  and  after  a  moments  reflection,  "  It  is  as  good 
a  time  as  any  for  me  to  die." 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP    MEADE,  511 

traordinary  powers  of  endurance,  and  his  Christian  spirit, 
strengthened  by  the  word  of  God,  sustained  his  great 
bodily  suffering  with  exemplary  patience.  "  Read  me," 
■he  said,  to  a  friend,  "a  portion  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures." 
"  What  shall  I  read  ?  "  "  The  history  of  the  Crucifixion." 
And  when  this  was  done,  he  observed,  "  Yes,  six  hours  did 
our  Lord  suffer  the  intense  agony  of  the  Cross,  and  that 
for  us,  for  our  sins,  and  shall  we  complain  of  our  sufferings  ? 
'The  cup  which  my  Father  hath  given  me,  shall  I  not 
drink  it?'"  Throughout  the  severe  struggle  of  nature 
his  mind  was  clear,  his  faith  strong,  and  his  hope  steadfast. 

Few  things  impressed  me  more  during  the  last  days  of 
his  life  than  his  perfect  naturalness.  Affectation  in  every 
form  and  degree  was  always  disgusting  to  him.  What 
are  termed  scenes  in  connection  with  religious  character 
and  experience,  especially  on  the  supposed  nearness  of 
death,  he  regarded  with  no  favor.  He  was  so  accustomed 
to  bear  his  religion  about  with  him  in  all  his  intercourse 
with  men  and  all  his  secular  business,  and  so  in  the  habit 
of  bearing  both,  with  him,  in  his  hours  of  devotion  at  a 
throne  of  grace,  that  they  were  not  kept  separate  and 
apart,  as  if  incompatible,  but  intermingled  continually  in 
his  thoughts  and  sympathies,  and  came  out  in  close  rela- 
tion in  his  speech.  It  was  strikingly  and  instructively  so 
during  his  last  illness.  In  health  he  habitually  thought 
and  acted  as  if  there  was  but  a  step  between  him  and 
death,  judgment  and  eternity ;  and  when  he  knew  and 
said,  that  the  ensuing  night  or  following  day  would  end 
his  connection  with  earth,  the  welfare  of  his  country  and 
the  interests  of  his  friends  were  as  near  his  heart,  and  as 
emphatically  on  his  lips,  as  if  he  expected  to  share  their 
portion  here  for  many  years.  To  one  of  his  respected 
presbyters  who  was  at  his  bedside  taking  leave  of  him, 
he  thus  closed  his  solemn  counsel :  "  Speak  boldlj^-  to  your 
people.  Tell  them  to  persevere  in  sustaining  their  country 
in  this  struggle.  The  war  against  us  is  iniquitous.  I  am 
persuaded  that  God  is  with  us,  and  will  give  us  success." 

He  knew  that  the  courageous  spirit  of  a  living  General 
would  not  be  hindered,  but  helped,  by  the  presence  and 
power  of  the  constraining  love  of  Christ,  and  he  had  uo 
fear  that  the  faith  and  purity  of  a  dying  Bishop  would  be 
impaired  by  the  glow  of  genuine  patriotism.  He  was  on 
his  death-bed  precisely  what  we  all  saw  him  to  be  in  life, 
except  his  sufferings. 


512  MEMOIR    OP    BISHOP    MEADE. 

On  Thursday  morning,  the  day  before  his  death,  he  re- 
quested others  who  were  present  to  retire,  that  he  might 
communicate  something  to  me  in  private.  When  we  were 
alone  he  said : 

"I  wish  to  bear  my  testimony  on  some  things  of  import- 
ance. 

"  The  views  of  evangelical  truth  and  order  which  I  have 
held  and  advocated  for  fifty  years,  I  approve,  and  exhort 
my  brethren,  North  and  South,  to  promote  more  than 
ever. 

"  My  course  in  civil  affairs  I  also  approve :  resistance  to 
secession  at  first,  till  circumstances  made  it  unavoidable. 
I  trust  the  South  will  persevere  in  separation. 

"  I  believe  there  are  thousands  in  the  North  who  con- 
demn the  course  of  their  administration  towards  us,  and 
in  time  will  express  themselves  openly. 

"  The  i^rospect  of  rest  from  sin  and  suffering  is  attrac- 
tive, though  I  am  willing  to  remain  and  take  my  part  in 
the  labors  and  trials  which  may  be  before  us. 

"  My  hope  is  in  Christ,  '  the  Eock  of  Ages.' 

"  I  have  no  fear  of  death,  and  this,  not  from  my  courage, 
but  from  my  faith. 

''  The  present  seems  a  proper  time  for  my  departure. 
I  am  at  peace  with  God  through  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord, 
and  in  charity  with  all  men,  even  our  bitterest  enemies. 

"All  that  has  ever  been  said  in  commendation  of  me  I 
loathe  and  abhor,  as  utterly  inconsistent  with  my  con- 
sciousness of  sin. 

"  I  commend  you  and  all  my  brethren  to  the  tender 
mercies  of  Christ,  and  pray  for  his  blessing  on  the  Church 
in  Yirginia." 

AYhen  he  ceased  I  withdrew  to  the  adjoining  room,  and 
in  conformity  with  his  suggestion,  immediately  committed 
the  testimony  to  writing,  and  availed  myself  of  the  earliest 
opportunity  to  read  it  to  him,  and  receive  his  afiirmation 
of  its  accuracy.* 

*  He  observed,  "It  is  accurate,  but  alter  one  expression.  Instead  of 
'approve  our  cause,'  write,  'condemn  the  course  of  their  administration 
towards  us.'  " 

Note  2.  On  Thursday  evening  he  asked,  "  What  o'clock  is  it?  "  On 
being  told,  he  said,  "Then  I  shall  not  see  Richard,"  who  at  his  father's 
request  had  gone  to  "Mountain  View"  to  bring  away  certain  papers  of 
importance,  that  they  might  be  deposited  in  some  place  of  less  exposure. 
The  Bishop  perceived  that  the  hour  for  the  arrival  of  the  cars  had  passed, 


MEMOIR   OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  513 

Such,  beloved  brethren,  was  the  special  commission  to 
which  I  referred,  and  from  the  painful  execution  of  which 
I  could  not  shrink. 

The  message  is  duly  delivered.  The  weighty  words  of 
the  wise  leader,  his  legacy  of  love,  are  with  you. 

Death  has  since  scaled  his  lips  in  silence.  He  has  fought 
a  good  fight  —  finished  his  course  —  kept  the  faith — re- 
ceived the  crown  of  righteousness,  and  entered  into  his 
glorious  rest.  If  the  gift  which  I  covet  for  you  and  my- 
self, "a  double  portion  of  his  spirit,"  depended  on  the 
condition  named  to  Elisha,  that  blessing  would  be  ours  — 
for  I  witnessed  his  departure,  and  cried  from  my  heart, 
"  My  father,  my  father,  the  chariot  of  Israel,  and  the 
horsemen  thereof." 

Our  bereavement  —  the  bereavement  of  our  Church 
and  country  —  how  inexpressibly  afflicting  ! 

AYhat  can  we  do  —  to  whom  can  we  go  in  our  sorrow 
and  bewilderment,  but  to  Jesus,  who  was  "  anointed  to 
bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  appoint  to  those  who 
mourn,  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and 
the  garment  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness."  What 
can  we  tell  Him,  but  that  we  can  have  no  compensation 
for  our  great  loss,  but  His  own  self,  by  the  special  gift  of 
the  Comforter,  and  so  pray  humbly,  and  earnestly,  and 
perseveringly,  "  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  manifest  Thyself  to  us 
with  greater  vividness  and  power ;    draw  us  into  more  in- 


and  as  he  felt,  and  had  so  expressed  himself,  that  he  "would  not  live 
through  the  day,"  he  meekly  relinquished  all  hope  of  seeing  "Richard." 
The  other  sons  were  in  Clarke  county,  and  as  there  was  no  mail  to  that 
section  of  the  State,  they  were  ignorant  of  their  father's  illness.  The  only 
one  of  his  own  family  privileged  lo  be  with  him,  was  the  Rev.  Wm.  H. 
Meade,  the  eldest  sou  of  that  son  whose  return  he  had  so  earnestly  de- 
sired. 

Note  3.  A  Convention  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  General  Bible  So- 
ciety was  about  so  assemble  in  Augusta,  Georgia.  The  Bishop  adverted 
to  this  with  great  satisfaction,  spoke  of  the  interest  with  which  Bishops 
White,  Griswold  and  others  had  regarded  the  U.  S.  Bible  Society  ex- 
pressed his  own  earnest  desire  for  the  success  of  the  proposed  Society  for 
the  South,  and  his  hope  and  belief  that  it  would  be  zealously  sustained  by 
Southern  Bishops  and  their  Dioceses,  and  directed  that  a  telegraphic  com- 
munication should  be  sent  immediately  to  Augusta,  requesting  that  his 
name  might  be  enrolled  among  the  Life  Members. 

The  communication  was  unnecessary.  Before  the  Convention  was  or- 
ganized he  had  passed  to  the  participation  of  the  glorious  privileges  of  a 
Life  Member  of  the  "  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  the  first4;orn  in 
Heaven." 

22* 


514  MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE 

timate  and  transforming  fellowship  with  Thee ;  come,  per- 
fect Thy  strength  in  us,  and  possess  our  hearts  more  and 
more  with  Thy  love;  enlighten  our  understanding -with 
the  illumination  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  all  our  wishes 
and  desires  may  centre  in  the  advancement  of  Thy  glory 
and  in  the  salvation  of  Thy  people." 

So,  dear  brethren,  the  prayer  of  our  departed  father  in 
G-od  for  us  all  will  be  soon  and  fully  answered.  "The 
tender  mercies  of  Christ  will  be  upon  us,  and  His  blessing 
upon  the  Church  in  Virginia." 


After  the  service  in  the  church,  the  funeral  procession 
moved  to  Hollywood  Cemetery,  where  the  coffin  was  laid 
in  a  vault,  till  suitable  arrangements  could  be  made  for  its 
permanent  interment. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  there  was  a  meeting 
of  the  clergy  then  in  Richmond,  the  proceedings  of  which 
are  thus  reported  : 

"  The  Committee,  through  their  chairman,  having  re- 
tired for  a  short  time,  returned  with  the  following  resolu- 
tions, which  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

"  Whereas,  It  has  pleased  Almighty  God  to  remove 
from  his  labors  to  his  rest,  our  beloved  Bishop,  the  Rt. 
Eev.  William  Meade,  D.  D.,  and  we,  a  portion  of  his 
clergy,  providentially  assembled  in  the  city  of  Richmond, 
do  desire  to  record  our  deep  sense  of  the  loss  sustained  by 
ourselves,  by  the  Diocese  over  which  he  presided,  and  the 
Church  at  large  ;  therefore,  be  it  resolved, 

1.  That  in  the  loss  of  Bishop  Meade,  we  feel,  as  indi- 
viduals, that  we  have  been  bereaved  of  a  father  most  loved 
and  most  revered;  and,  as  members  of  the  Church,  of  a 
leader,  the  loss  of  whose  godly  counsel  and  faithful  guid- 
ance we  most  deeply  mourn. 

2.  That  in  the  midst  of  our  sorrow  we  would  bow 
meekly  to  the  will  of  God  in  this  dispensation,  acknow- 
ledging His  mercy  to  us,  and  to  His  Church,  in  sjiaring  our 


MEMOIR   OF    BISEOP    MEADK.  515 

late  Bishop  to  us  so  long,  and  preserving  him  through  so 
many  dangers;  and  that  though  prevented,  by  Bishop 
Meade's  own  expressed  wishes,  from  heaping  praise  and 
commendation  upon  him,  we  yet  feel  it  our  privilege  and 
our  duty  to  thank  our  Heavenly  Father  for  the  grace  of 
God  which  was  in  him,  and  are  constrained  to  say,  that  he 
was  unsurpassed  in  all  the  qualities  which  can  adorn  the 
hio-hest  office  in  the  Church  on  earth. 

3.  That  as  the  noblest  tribute  we  can  pay  to  his  mem- 
ory, we  will,  by  the  aid  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  endeavor  to 
follow  in  his  footsteps  as  he  followed  Christ. 

4.  That  we  do  hereby  express  our  deepest  sympathy 
with  the  afflicted  family  and  relations  of  our  beloved  Dio- 
cesan in  this  our  common  bereavement ;  and  trust  that  in 
the  love  and  mercy  of  God,  they  may  find  support  and 
abundant  consolation." 

In  his  address  to  the  Convention  which  met  in  Eich- 
mond  the  ensuing  May,  Bishop  Johns,  in  reporting  the 
services  which  he  had  performed  during  the  past  year,  in- 
troduced, in  its  proper  connection,  the  following  reference 
to  the  affliction  with  which  the  Diocese  had  been  visited  : 

"March  9th. — I  preached  in  St.  John's  Church,  Eich- 
mond.  This,  dear  brethren,  was  the  week  of  our  bereave- 
ment. On  Friday,  the  14th,  at  7  A.  M.,  it  pleased  Al- 
mighty God  to  remove  from  us  our  venerable  and  beloved 
Bishop,  whom  He  had  chosen  to  cherish  our  Church  in 
Virginia  during  its  infancy  ;  to  aid  in  bringing  it  up  in  the 
nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  and  long  honored 
and  blessed  as  its  chief  pastor.  The  habit  which  forms 
by  duration,  and  the  love  which  excellence  and  usefulness 
inspire  and  invigorate,  had  so  bound  and  endeared  him  to 
us  all,  that  the  thought  of  being  without  him  was  not 
seriously  entertained,  and  we  were  ill  prepared  for  the 
afflictive  separation.  Perhaps  we  ought  to  have  been 
more  discerning,  and  gathered  premonitions  from  the  sig- 
nificant  service    with    which   our   last   Convention    was 


516  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

Opened.  When  the  Bishop,  under  a  solemn  sense  of  the 
appropriateness  and  duty,  officiating  as  the  preacher,  de- 
livered his  semi-centenary  discourse,  spoke  of  the  exper- 
ience of  his  long  and  eventful  life  with  the  deep  humility 
of  a  sage,  that  the  benefit  of  his  carefully  acquired  know- 
ledge might  accrue  to  us,  there  was  impressively  evident 
'  a  ripeness  and  perfectness  of  age  in  Christ,'  which  might 
have  advised  us  that  his  maturity  for  heaven  was  attained, 
and  '  the  time  of  his  departure  at  hand.'  For  many  years, 
his  bodily  infirmities,  though  they  did  not  abate  his  intel- 
lectual labors  or  suspend  the  use  of  his  pen,  but  only  ren- 
dered them  more  abundant  and  beneficial,  yet  did  deprive 
'US  of  his  impressive  services  in  the  pulpit.  His  capability 
for  these,  however,  was  recently  restored,  and  in  that 
memorable  discourse  there  was  an  unction  of  piety,  and  a 
rich  melody  of  religious  thought,  in  which  our  ears  should 
have  recognized  the  dying  notes  of  our  aged  apostle. 

The  last  few  pages  of  fhis  discourse,  preached  "  in  the 
fifty  first  year  of  his  ministry,  and  thirty-second  of  his 
Episcopate,"  are  of  very  peculiar  interest. 

"  And  now,  if  I  may  be  permitted  to  close  with  some 
personal  reflections,  I  would  say,  that  in  reviewing  my 
life,  since  entering  the  ministry,  I  can  truly  say,  that  not 
a  day  or  waking  hour  has  been  so  spent  that  the  word 
evil  may  not  justly  be  applied  to  it,  because  so  largely 
partaking  of  sin.  I  know  that  I  have  never  performed 
one  single  act  without  some  sin  intermingling  with  it, 
either  as  to  the  motive  or  manner;  not  doing  all  to  the 
glory  of  God,  but  allowing  the  desire  of  human  praise  to 
get  into  the  heart  and  dwell  there.  Thus  has  "  my  sin 
been  ever  before  me,"  and  when  my  eye  has  caught  some 
near  glimpse  of  God,  I  have  said,  "  I  abhor  myself,"  feel- 
ing "  that  no  clean  thing  can  come  out  of  such  an  unclean 
one."  When  I  have  read  that  God  "charges  even  His 
angels  with  folly,"  how  often  and  from  the  deep  of  my 
heart  have  I  exclaimed  with  David,  "  O  God,  thou  knowest 


MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE.  517 

my  foolishness^  aud  my  sios  are.  not  hid  from  Thee." 
Thus  do  I  declare  my  doctrine  and  experience  as  to  hu- 
man depravity.  It  has  ever  been  a  source  of  shame  to  me 
that  so  many  of  my  friends  and  brethren  were  conscious 
and  observant  of  my  infirmities,  and  the  more  so,  because 
they  have  dealt  so  forbearingly  and  kindly  towards  them. 
Had  T  these  fifty  j^'ears  to  live  over  again,  I  see  many 
things  to  be  armended,  and  would  fain  hope  that  I  should 
be  enabled  so  to  do  ;  and  yet,  I  would  not  ask  or  wish 
such  a  repetition,  lest  even  greater  dishonor  come,  through 
me,  to  the  sacred  cause.  As  already  declared,  I  have  now 
gone  beyond  my  three-score  years  and  ten,  and  have  no 
desire  or  expectation  of  reaching  that  period  when  "  age 
is  nothing  but  labor  and  sorrow,  and  the  grasshopper 
might  be  a  burthen."  At  present  I  have  cause  to  be 
thankful  for  a  most  unexpected  share  of  health,  though 
but  little  strength  is  connected  with  it,  my  eyes  having 
become  dim  and  my  natural  force  much  abated.  With 
such  as  I  have,  and  as  long  as  it  lasts,  I  desire  to  serve  my 
Lord  and  Master  and  my  poor  fellow-sinners,  hojDing  that 
in  some  small  degree  "  for  me  to  live  is  Christ,"  though 
"  to  die  would  be  gain."  The  same  kind  allowance  will,  I 
trust,  still  be  made  for  my  imperfections,  and  if,  in  the 
course  of  that  brief  remnant  of  life  which  may  yet  re- 
main, my  understanding  (such  as  it  is)  should  fail,  my 
friends  and  brethren  will  remember  the  injunction  to 
children  in  behalf  of  a  declining  father,  "  If  his  under- 
standing fail,  have  patience  with  him  and  despise  him  not."* 
But,  while  with  humility  and  shame  looking  back  on  the 
sins  and  neglects  of  the  past,  I  must  not  omit  what  I  am 
sure  the  patriarch  felt  in  his  heart,  special  gratitude  for 
special  favors  and  honors  from  God  and  man.  While  the 
office  of  a  Bishop,  by  reason  of  its  many  cares  and  respon- 
sibilities, has  been  a  heavy  burden  to  many,  I  have  indeed 
found  it  both  in  its  lower  and    higher  grade,  "a   good 

*  Ecclesiasticus,  3  :  13. 


518  MEMOIR    OP    BISHOP    MEADE. 

thing."  Some  painful  cases  I  have  had,  some  offences 
given  which  I  could  wish  to  have  avoided ;  some  old 
friends  in  a  measure  alienated,  whom  I  would  have  retained 
nearest  my  heart;  some  enemies  made,  whose  friendship  I 
desired ;  some  censure  incurred,  which  I  would  gladly 
have  avoided,  if  it  could  have  been  done  with  a  good  con- 
science ;  still,  such  has  been  the  favor  and  kindness  expe- 
rienced that  "  my  cup  has  run  over."  Such  has  been  the 
honor  received  from  my  brethren,  and  the  hospitality  from 
the  members  and  families  of  the  Church,  that  my  visits, 
though  sometimes  attended  with  exhaustion,  have  been 
delightful  recreations,  while  the  sacred  duties  of  the  Epis- 
copal office  have  been  high  and  delightful  privileges.  On 
the  heads  of  hundreds  have  I  laid  my  hands  in  ordination, 
on  thousands  in  baptism  and  confirmation,  and  to  more 
numerous  thousands  have  I  administered  the  memorials 
of  the  dying  love  of  our  Lord,  besides,  for  many  years, 
the  almost  daily  privilege  of  preaching  the  glorious  gospel 
to  perishing  sinners  In  all  these  ways  I  have  felt  that 
a  sacred  relation  was  established  with  them  to  whom  I 
ministered.  I  trust,  also,  that  I  have  been  thus  drawn 
nearer  myself  to  the  Great  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls 
above ;  and  oh,  ma}^  He  one  day  lay  His  hands  on  my 
head,  confirming  all  my  hopes,  admitting  me  to  the  fellow- 
ship of  the  first-born  above,  and  allowing  me  to  partake 
anew  with  Him  and  them,  in  some  ineffable  manner,  the 
Supper  of  the  Lord,  in  the  Church  triumphant  above! 

Would  to  God  that  I  could  thus  conclude.  Mingled 
emotions  have  attended  our  brief  review  of  the  last  half 
century ;  but  what  if  the  veil  could  be  raised  which  now 
shrouds  in  darkness  the  history  of  our  country  for  the 
next  fifty  years,  (should  the  world  itself  continue  thus 
long,)  who  might  not  shrink  back  from  the  awful  sight  ? 
O  !  the  divisions,  the  wars,  the  miseries  which  may  make 
up  that  history,  the  mere  beginning  of  which  is  now  before 
our  eyes  and  at  our  doors.     God   in  mercy  hides  from  us 


MEMOIR    OF    BISHOP    MEADE.  519 

the  sight  of  garments  rolled  in  blood,  of  fields  strewed 
with  mangled  bodies,  of  proud  cities  crumbled  into  heaps 
of  ruins,  of  fertile  valleys  become  desolations,  of  republics 
and  kingdoms  rising  and  falling,  and  being  no  more  for- 
ever. Such  has  been  the  history  of  nations  once  prosper- 
ous like  our  own.  Such  may  be  the  end  of  our  own, 
unless  the  Prince  of  Peace  shall,  speedily  come  down  and 
establish  that  kingdom  which  is  to  be  forever  and  ever. 
Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly." 

He  has  since  finished  his  course  in  peace  and  hope,  and 
added  to  his  wholesome  example  and  salutary  instructions 
of  his  self-denying  and  laborious  life,  the  solemn  seal  of  a 
fearless  death.  It  was  my  privilege  to  minister  to  him 
during  his  sickness,  receive  his  dying  testimony,  watch 
his  waning  strength,  catch  his  expiring  breath,  and  then 
close  those  eyes,  which,  in  an  intimate  association  of 
twenty  years,  had  never  been  turned  on  mine  and  me,  but 
in  true  friendship  and  tender  love. 

The  particulars  of  his  illness,  and  his  dying  testimony 
to  his  brethren  and  country,  I  have  communicated  in  the 
address  delivered  at  the  funeral.  That  testimony  will  be 
long  and  religiously  preserved  as  the  precious  legacy  of  a 
Christian  patriot,  to  the  Church  and  people,  whose  pros- 
perity was  so  dear  to  his  heart,  both  in  life  and  in  death. 
May  our  devoted  love  for  our  departed  father  in  God,  and 
our  sympathy  in  sorrow  under  our  sore  bereavement,  be 
so  sanctified  as  to  unite  us  in  closer  Christian  affection 
and  animate  us  to  greater  zeal  and  diligence  in  the  cause 
of  our  Lord  and  Master,  that  we  "  lose  not  those  things 
which  have  been  wrought,"  but  may  behold  his  pleasure 
still  prospering  in  our  hands 

In  the  address  of  Bishop  Johns  to  the  council  of  1863, 
the  following  statement  occurs  : 

"  The  last  Convention  entrusted  to  a  committee  consist- 
in  ir  of  the  Rectors  and  Vestries  of  the  Churches  in  Rich- 
mond   and   its  vicinity,  the  arrangements  for  the  perma- 


520  MEMOIR   OF   BISHOP   MEADE. 

nent  interment  of  our  late  Et.  Eev.  Father  in  God.  The 
wish  of  the  sons  of  the  deceased  being  ascertained,  a  lot 
was  selected  in  Holywood  Cemetery. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  at  2  P.  M.,  the  Eev.  E.  K.  Meade 
and  children,  accompanied  by  clergy  and  laity  of  the  city 
and  its  vicinity,  repaired  to  the  Cemetery,  and  reverently 
removed  the  venerated  remains  from  the  vault  in  which 
they  had  been  temporarily  laid,  to  the  spot  chosen  for 
permanent  interment,  where,  with  appropriate  religious 
services,  we  committed  the  body  to  the  ground,  looking 
for  the  general  resurrection,  and  the  life  of  the  world  to 
come,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 

The  proposed  monument  and  inclosure  are  postponed 
till  they  can  •  be  more  satisfactorily  accomplished  than 
under  existing  circumstances. 

The  ground  for  the  interment  was  purchased  by  two 
gentlemen  of  Virginia,  Wm.  H.  Macfarland,  Esq.,  and  Mr. 
John  Stewart,  an'd  presented  to  the  Church  in  Yirginia. 
Its  position  is  eligible,  and  it  is  completely  isolated  by 
roads  which  pass  along  its  sides.  In  shape,  it  is  mound 
like.  Nearly  midway  on  one  of  its  sides  stands  a  large 
oak  tree,  an  appropriate  emblem  of  the  sainted  servant  of 
God,  whose  remains  repose  under  its  wide  spreading 
branches,  a  hallowed  spot,  where  angels  will  keep  their 
vigils,  and  where  every  son  of  the  Church  may  reverently 
stand,  with  uncovered  head,  and  thank  God  for  William 
Meade. 


j^ie'fieiistjoxzk: 


A    SERMOISr 


PREACHED  IN  STAUNTON,  VA.,  MAT  24,  1863,  IN  MEMORY  OF  RIGHT  KEY. 
"WILLIAM  MEADE.  D.  D.,  LATE  BISHOP   OF  THE  DIOCESE, 


REV.  WILLIAM   SPARROW,  D.  D. 


"  Seeing  we  are  compassed  about  with  so  great  a  cloud  of  witnesses,  let 
•us  lay  aside  every  weight." — Hebrews,  12:   1. 

The  Chiircli  of  Christ  is  a  mighty  po^ver  in  the  earth, 
the  mightiest  beyond  all  comparison,  known  to  man.  At 
first  it  was  but  as  a  grain  of  mustard  seed  ;  but  it  has  long- 
since  grown  to  be  a  great  tree,  which  unlike  every  other 
planting  of  the  divine  hand  in  this  world,  and  much  more 
of  any  human  hand,  is  not  destined  to  decay,  but  to  in- 
crease, striking  its  roots  downward,  and  bearing  fruits  up- 
ward, till  it  overspreads  the  world,  and  blesses  all  mankind. 

Now  this  power  of  the  Church  lies  chiefly  in  its  testi- 
mony to  the  truth  which  has  been  committed  to  it,  and 
this  testimony  is  continually  increasing  through  the  mul- 
tiplication of  the  witnesses,  who,  by  their  example  in  word 
and  deed,  by  holy  living,  and  peaceful  and  happy  dying, 
give  to  those  who  know  or  remember  them,  a  reason  for 
the  hope  that  is,  or  was,  in  them ;  a  reason  which  no  man 
of  any  conscience  and  reflection  can  make  light  of.  So  wide- 
spread is  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  so  numerous  its  mem- 
bers, that  not  a  year  passes  by  that  does  not  add  some 
precious  name  to  that  cloud  of  witnesses  for  Jesus.  Yes, 
annually,  and  at  even  shorter  periods  still,  we  are  called 
to  mourn  the  departure  from  our  earth  of  God's  faithful 
servants  who  are  gone  to  join  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  in 
heaven.  They  are  personally  gone,  but  not  gone  alto- 
gether.    Tl^eir  testimony  is  still  with  us  for  our  instruc- 


522  APPENDIX. 

tion  and  encouragement.     They  being  dead,  yet  speak  to 
us.     Of  this  class  is  our  late.  Diocesan. 

The  eventful  times  in  which  we  live,  and  in  which  he 
died,  dispose  us  to  speak  of  Bishop  Meade,  first,  though 
but  briefly,  as  a  jpatriot.  The  importance  of  passing  events, 
and  the  deep  interest  he  took  in  them,  might  invite  to 
more  extended  remarks ;  but  the  higher  relations  of  the 
character  and  oflS.ce  of  the  deceased  claim  our  chief  atten- 
tion. Patriotism,  after  all,  it  should  be  remembered,  at 
least  in  this  place  and  hour,  is,  in  itself,  and  as  commonly 
exhibited  in  the  world,  only  a  natural  feeling,  a  local  at- 
tachment, a  social  affection  formed  by  long  intercourse, 
and  identity  of  secular  interest  in  property,  reputation, 
habits,  customs  and  tastes.  And  though,  when  stimulated, 
it  may  perform  prodigies  of  valor,  and  may  consummate 
revolutions,  which  under  the  hand  of  God  may  be  greatly 
beneficent  to  the  country  and  the  world ;  still,  all  this  may 
be,  and  alas,  too  often  is,  where  God  is  not  in  all  the 
thoughts  of  the  actors,  and  where  it  cannot  be  said  that 
He  is  the  origin,  the  support,  or  the  end  of  the  procedure; 
being  called  in,  if  called  in  at  all,  only  in  an  extremity,  to 
sanction  and  sustain  mail's  forescone  conclusions.  But  such 
was  not  the  patriotism  of  the  venerable  man  of  whom  I 
speak.  The  love  of  country,  or  section  of  country  in  which 
his  lot  was  cast,  was  with  him  at  once  a  transformed  and 
subordinated  affection ;  transformed,  so  as  to  be  elevated, 
and  subordinated,  so  as  to  be  controlled  by  other,  higher, 
broader,  and  purer  principles.  It  was  denied  the  right  of 
supreme  rule  in  the  Christian  heart.  Like  every  other 
natural  affection,  to  have  real  value  according  to  the 
Christian  standard,  he  held  it  must  be  entirely  subject  to 
the  paramount  considerations  of  God's  spiritual  law,  and 
spiritual  kingdom,  and  must  be  cherished  and  put  forth  in 
full  recollection  of  that  divine  sovereignty,  which,  in  the 
ordering  of  human  affairs,  often  acts  on  principles  which 
we,  for  the  present,  do  not  understand, — at  one  time  grant- 
ing us  prosperity  beyond  our  guilty  fears ;  at  another  dis- 
appointing our  most  ardent  wishes  and  confident  and  (as 
we  deem  them)  reasonable  expectations.  Moderation, 
therefore,  marked  the  movements  and  expressions  of  his 
patriotic  feelings.  His  final  testimony  on  his  death-bed, 
as  immediately  after  utterance  put  on  record  by  Bishop 
Johns,  and  afterwards  revised  by  himself,  indicates,  as  I 


APPENDIX.  523 

have  said,  that  patriotism  was  not  only  a  subordinate  prin- 
ciple in  his  heart,  but  a  transformed  principle,  free  from 
bitterness,  adopting  only  the  measures  and  means,  the 
language  and  sentiments  which  God  approves,  submitting 
all  errors  to  be  corrected  by  His  infinite  wisdom,  and  all 
events  to  be  regulated  by  those  higher  considerations  of 
State  which  belong  to  the  Court  of  Heaven.  It  was,  in 
short,  just  what  you  might  expect  from  a  man  of  God,  who 
loved  his  country,  expressing  his  opinions  on  a  great 
national  question,  standing  on  the  confines  of  the  eternal 
world,  and  conscious  of  his  fallibility. 

Let  us  pass  to  his  services  to  the  Church  in  Yirginia. 
He  was  the  restorer  of  that  Church.     So  far  as  I  have  been 
able  to  read  the  history  of  that  Church,  this  title  belongs 
to  him  more  than  to  any  other  man.     He  was  fitted  for  it 
by  personal  character,  and  social  connections,  in  eminent 
degree ;  formally  and  understandingly,  he  took  it  in  hand, 
in  the  strength  of  God's  grace  to  do ;  and  by  the  grace  of 
God,  he  did  it.     His  very  idiosyncrasies  conduced  to  this 
end.     In  early  life,  as  is  well  known,  he  observed  a  plain- 
ness of  style  in  his  family  arrangements,  and  personal  ap- 
pearance, which  was  much  remarked  upon.     The  motive 
was  neither  vain  affectation,  nor  idle  caprice.     It  was  de- 
signed, I  doubt  not,  to  indicate  that  he  did  not  wish  to 
continue,  but  rather  to  break  the  continuity  of  that  secu- 
lar mode  of  life,  into  which  the  ministry  too  generally  had 
fallen,  and  to  inaugurate,  if  possible,  a  new  state  of  things 
—  a  new  style  of  practical  religion,  in  which  was  mingled 
as  little  as  might  be,  of  "f/ie  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the 
eye,  and  the  pride  of  life ;"  new,  I  mean,  as  compared  with 
that  of  the  generation  which  had  gone  before,  but  not  new, 
according  to  the  principles  and  early  history  of  the  Church 
from  which  we  sprung.     His  prime  and  immediate  object 
in  entering  the  ministry  of  course  was,  by  preaching  the 
gospel  to  convert,  and  huild  up  the  converted ;  but  he  also 
had  a  further  object  germain  to  this;  he  would  do  this  in 
the  Church  of  his  fathers,  as,  all  things  considered,  the  best 
and  most  Scriptural  organization,  in  his  judgment,  for  car- 
rying forward  the  reign  of  Christ   among  men.     Friends 
endeavored  to  dissuade  him  from  his  whole  purjDOse,  the 
ministry  generally,  and    especially  the   ministry  in   our 
Church.     Episcopalians,  so-called,  thought  it  folh'  for  a 
young  man  of  his  talents  and  surroundings  to  attach  him- 


524  APPENDIX. 

self  to  a  fallen  Church,  that  never  could  rise  again !  But, 
he  had  formed  his  purpose  considerately  and  prayerfully, 
and  he  adhered  to  it  with  the  firmness  which  ever  charac- 
terized him.  He  saw  that  the  Church  had  not  sunk  so 
low  from  inherent  weakness,  either  of  doctrine  or  order. 
It  had  fallen  either  from  that  general  cause  found  in  the 
depravity  of  human  nature,  through  which  all  churches, 
like  individual  Christians,  are  liable  to  declension  in  long 
spaces  of  time ;  or  else,  from  particular  causes  which  were 
incidental  and  remediable ;  as,  for  instance,  the  prejudicial 
influence  of  the  union  of  Church  and  State — the  want  of 
powers  of  self-government^  and  the  absence  of  the  charac- 
teristic feature  of  our  system,  Episcopal  oversight.  And 
as  he  understood  the  causes  of  its  decline,  so,  also,  did  he 
clearly  see  what  would  prove  effectual  to  its  restoration. 
The  Church  being  now  like  the  State,  independent,  self- 
governed,  and  complete  in  its  organization  at  the  begin- 
ning of  this  century,  he  was  prepared  to  go  forward  in  his 
task.  By  man  it  had  sunk :  by  God  must  it  rise.  Human 
policy  could  not  do  it.  Ecclesiastical  pretention  could  not 
do  it.  A  narroio  spirit  of  seclusion  from  the  people  and  a 
want  of  sympathy  with  them,  could  not  do  it.  The  re- 
storation of  confiscated  glebes  and  parsonages  could  not  do 
it.  Nothing,  he  saw  and  felt,  could  effect  this  object,  but 
evangelical  principles  and  practice,  spiritual  preaching, 
and  holy  living ;  and  to  these  he  consecrated  his  life  with 
a  singleness  of  aim,  an  industry,  perseverance  and  consist- 
ency that  few  have  equalled. 

And  he  had  his  reward.  He  lived  to  see  the  Church 
in  Virginia  "  in  great  prosperity."  Never  was  it  so  pros- 
perous as  at  the  commencement  of  our  national  troubles. 
The  Bishop  then  saw  around  him  a  body  of  parochial 
clergy  (I  venture  the  expression  of  the  opinion,  because 
unhappily  I  am  not  of  that  class),  surpassed  by  none  for 
faithfulness  and  efficiency  as  pastors.  He  saw  the  congre- 
gations committed  to  their  care  increasing  yearly  in  all 
the  fruits  of  the  Spirit.  Missionary  zeal  was  spreading  on 
every  hand,  and  substantial  aid  more  and  more  afforded  to 
the  cause.  Neither  Foreign,  Domestic,  or  Diocesan  Mis- 
sions were  overlooked.  The  Education  Society  for  the  aid 
of  young  men  preparing  for  the  ministry,  was  deriving 
an  adequate  suj^port  from  Virginia  alone,  though  helping 
young  men  from  all  the  States.     Educational  institutions 


APPENDIX.  525 

for  both  sexes,  in  connection  with  the  Church,  were  pros- 
pering; and  the  Theological  Seminary  was  far  better  pro- 
vided with  every  species  of  accommodation,  and  better 
filled  with  students,  than  it  ever  had  been  before.  In  the 
progress  of  things  towards  this  point  of  prosperity,  it 
should  also  be  mentioned,  there  hadbeen  very  little  fluctu- 
ation, and  no  "back-sets."  Owino;  to  the  consummate 
prudence  of  him  who  took  a  leading  part  in  all  these 
matters,  the  progress  of  the  Diocese  had  been  as  continuous 
and  unbroken,  as  the  advance  of  the  dawn  to  broad  day- 
light. 

Let  me  next  speak  of  him  as  a  Diocesan  Bishop.  The 
Episcopal  office  is  one  of  great  responsibility,  and  not  a 
little  difficulty.  The  performance  of  Episcopal  acts,  as  they 
are  called.  Confirmation,  Ordination,  Consecration,  and  the 
giving  and  receiving  Letters  Dimissorj^ : — these  functions 
are  the  most  easy,  by  far,  of  all  those  which  devolve  upon 
a  Bishop.  Next  after  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  (which, 
where  not  providentially  prevented,  is  the  first  work  of 
every  minister  of  Christ,  of  whatever  grade,  being  first  in 
his  commission)  ;  next  after  this,  the  mdfet  weighty,  and 
altogether  the  most  onerous  duty  of  a  Bishop  is,  "  the  care 
of  all  the  churches,"  including  both  ministers  and  people; 
seeing  as  far  as  the  canons  appoint  and  permit,  that  the 
parishes  be  su2)plied  with  suitable  pastors  ;  counselling 
with  these  ministers  in  the  various  perplexities  which  be- 
set their  path  ;  sympathizing  and  comforting  them  in  their 
peculiar  trials  ;  more  difficult  still,  when  serious  compli- 
cations arise,  which  afi'ect  parochial  standing,  or  clerical 
efficiency,  or  personal  character  of  the  minister,  managing 
such  delicate  matters  with  strict  impartiality,  tenderness 
towards  all  the  parties  concerned,  a  true  concern  for  the 
honor  of  Christ,  a  desire  to  avoid  scandal,  where  it  can  be 
done  without  screening  iniquity,  or  laying  the  Church 
open  to  the  charge  of  so  doing ;  and  an  unfailing  caution 
in  the  midst  of  all  this,  that  no  one  be  able  to  say  that  any 
prerogative  has  been  exercised  which  is  not  perfectly 
legitimate  and  canonical.  What  constant  and  laborious 
occupation  of  mind  and  heart  must  such  an  office  occasion! 
What  judgment,  and  moderation,  and  conscientiousness, 
and  firmness,  it  calls  for!  With  reference  to  such  an  ac- 
cumulation of  sacred  duties,  how  appropriate  the  inquiry 
of  the  Apostle,  ''Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things?" 


526  APPENDIX. 

In  the  discharge  of  these  arduous  duties,  I  do  not  say  our 
departed  father  in  Grod  was  perfect.  He  would  not  say 
it  himself;  he  would  reject  the  thought  with  abhorrence. 
But,  surely,  all  will  admit,  that  with  a  vigorous  mind,  a 
sound  judgment,  an  honestintention,andgreatand  self  sacri- 
ficing industry,  he  aimed  at  it.  Those  who  had  an  opportunity 
of  observing  him  when  weighing  matters  which  belonged  to 
his  Episcopal  oversight,  and  endeavoring  to  find  out  what 
was  due  to  the  Church  and  to  individuals,  to  justice  and  to 
mercy,  to  the  rights  of  men  and  to  the  claims  of  truth; 
such  persons  if  not  very  much  warped  by  prejudice,  or  by 
personal  interest  in  the  questions  handled,  will  also  admit 
that  the  administration  of  the  aflPairs  of  the  Diocese  was, 
in  this  regard,  in  the  main,  eminently  successful,  through 
his  great  wisdom  and  fairness. 

But  a  Bishop  is  a  debtor  to  those  without,  as  well  as 
those  within,  the  pale  of  his  own  communion.  To  stand 
aloof  and  ignore  them  is  absurd,  and  worse  than  absurd. 
There  are  relations  subsisting  between  him  and  them,  not 
of  his  creation,  and  out  of  these  relations  grow  duties  not 
to  be  put  aside.  •In  regard  to  them,  the  course  of  our  late 
Diocesan  was  most  honorable  to  himself,  to  the  Church,  and 
to  Christianity.  We  know  how  the  Church  has  arisen  in 
this  Diocese,  not  only  from  small  beginnings,  but  from  deep 
depression.  It  had  not  only  to  struggle  in  great  weakness, 
but  under  a  heavy  load.  As  the  daughter  of  the  Church 
of  England,  all  the  political  prejudices  felt  against  the 
parent,  descended  upon  the  offspring.  JSTor  descended  only, 
through  a  spirit  of  rivalry,  but  none  the  less  reprehensible, 
these  prejudices  seemed  to  have  been  studiously  cherished 
in  certain  quarters,  even  to  the  asserting  that  true,  vital 
religion  was  impossible  within  our  j^ale.  I  speak  of  this  as 
past ;  it  lingers,  I  trust,  in  few  of  our  Christian  brethren 
round  us, —  only  the  very  narrow-minded  and  very  weak. 
But  in  the  first  decades  of  our  history  as  an  independent 
Church,  it  was  a  dead  and  heavy  weight,  as  inevitable  as 
gravitation.  Against  it  our  Bishop  struggled  manfully, 
not  only  never  bating  a  jot  of  heart  and  hope,  but,  what 
was  specially  to  his  honor,  because  so  difficult  of  achieve- 
ment, without  evincing  any  bitterness,  or  contracting  a 
sectarian  spirit.  Many  a  liberal  mind  has  been  narrowed 
by  coming  into  contact  and  collision,  with  those  that  are 
illiberal.      Few  indeed  can  resist  the  perverting  influence 


APPENDIX.  527 

of  such  association.  Bishop  Meade  was  one  of  those  few. 
In  twenty-seven  years'  acquaintance  with  him,  pften  con- 
versing on  religious  subjects,  I  can  testify,  I  never  heard 
from  him  anything,  in  regard  to  Christians,  and  Christian 
Churches,  which  I  would  not  be  willing  they  should  hear; 
on  the  contrary,  I  often  heard  remarks  from  him,  which, 
uttered  in  their  hearing,  could  not  fail  to  soften  and  con- 
ciliate. And,  as  were  his  words,  so  was  his  conduct.  He 
went  on  quietly  and  lovingly  in  the  work  which  Christ  had 
given  him  to  do ;  never  turning  aside  to  forbid  those  who 
were  casting  out  devils  in  Christ's  name.  He  did  not  ap- 
prove of  some  of  the  ways  in  which  Christ  is  preached 
among  other  denominations,  but  still  it  was  a  pleasant  re- 
flection to  him  that  Christ  was  preached.  That  was  with 
him  the  point  of  paramount  importance  to  the  world,  and 
therein  he  rejoiced,  and  continued  to  rejoice  even  to  the 
end. 

Let  me  mention  another  temptation  to  which  Bishop 
Meade  was  perfectly  proof:  Ministers  wish  to  increase 
their  congregations  ,  Bishops  their  Dioceses.  This  is  a 
matter  of  course,  and  very  proper.  The  Church  of  Christ 
was  not  meant  to  be  stationary.  Let  it  be  firm  and  stable, 
and  let  it  resist  decay  ;  but  let  it  be  progressive  also.  That 
is  its  mission;  and  the  clergy  of  all  grades  are  appointed 
and  commanded  to  further  this  object.  But  there  is  a 
weakness  here  to  which  they  are  liable,  but  which  should 
be  conscientiously  and  firmly  resisted.  In  their  desire  for 
the  growth  of  the  Church,  they  may  overlook  the  quality 
of  the  increase,  and,  in  adding  to  its  membership,  may  sub- 
tract from  its  strength.  In  this  matter  too,  our  late 
Diocesan  was  a  wise  and*" faithful  shepherd.  In  things 
pertaining  to  God,  he  had  no  confidence  in  mere  numeri- 
cal strength.  He  manifestly  believed  that  the  Christian 
Church,  like  Gideon's  army,  is  often  greater  in  power  for 
being  less  in  numbers.  All  compromises  that  involved  a 
denial  of  this  principle,  he  was  opposed  to.  For  this  rea- 
son it  was,  that  he  did  not  approve  admission  to  Confirma- 
tion, unless  the  candidate  contemplated  enrolling  himself 
also  as  a  communicant  of  the  Church.  He  would  not 
sanction  an  enlargement  of  the  Church  merely  by  some- 
thing like  w^hat  the  Congregationalists  of  New  England, 
called  their  "  halfway  covenant."  Better  be  out  of  the 
Church  altogether  than  in  it  but  not  of  it.     Christianity 


528  APPENDIX. 

that  is  not  hearty,  deep,  spiritual  and  thorough,  did  not, 
in  his  judgment,  answer  its  purpose,  or  correspond  to  its 
own  idea.  To  his  firm  conviction  of  this  truth,  and  his 
efforts  to  promote  its  practical  adoption,  the  Episcopal 
Church  in  Virginia  is  largely  indebted  for  the  sound  tone 
of  rehgion  which  distinguishes  her  adult  membership. 
Those  who  came  forward  to  Confirmation,  he  considered 
bound,  in  consistency,  to  go  forward  to  the  Table  of  the 
Lord.  The  soundness  of  the  principle  he  deemed  mani- 
fest from  the  language  of  the  Confirmation  Service.  The 
opposite  opinion,  wherever  held,  has  proved  most  disas- 
trous to  our  Church.  It  belongs,  indeed,  to  the  parish  min- 
ister to  indoctrinate  the  candidates  for  this  rite  upon  the 
point;  but  of  course  the  weight  of  Bishop  Meade's  teach- 
ing and  influence  in  regard  to  it,  could  not  fail  to  be  felt. 
It  was  felt,  and  I  hope  it  long  w\\\  be. 

4.  Let  us  next  consider  his  position  and  Avork,  as  a  lead- 
ing member  of  our  highest  legislative  councils.  While  yet  a 
presbyter,  he  made  himself  distinctly  felt  in  these  assem- 
blies of  the  general  Church.  His  great  practical  sense 
and  high  moral  integrity  must  have  given  him  promi- 
nence and  weight.  But  it  was  in  our  House  of  Bishops 
his  influence  matured  and  culminated.  In  learning,  elo- 
quence and  literary  accomplishments,  he  was  confessedly 
surpassed  by  several  of  his  brethren  on  the  Episcopal 
bench  ;  but  in  wisdom  without  cunning,  in  firmness  with- 
out stubbornness,  in  unflinching  integrity  unstained  by 
harshness,  he  had  no  superior,  if  any  equal.  It  was  his 
lot  to  be  placed  twice  or  thrice,  or  even  oftener,  before  the 
Church  in  most  trying  circumstances,  and  to  act  as  leader 
in  them.  Of  course  he  had  to  bear  the  censure  of  hot 
misguided  partisans,  of  weak  men  who  suffered  themselves 
to  be  controlled  by  them,  and  sometimes,  perhaps,  of  men 
void  of  seriousness  and  true  principle.  But  there  were 
few  men  of  his  day  who  could  bear  such  a  trial  with  more 
firmness  and  tranquility.  He  had  great  faith,  as  I  have 
noticed  in  other  matters,  in  the  ultimate  power  and  success 
of  truth.  He  could  do  his  duty  and  possess  his  soul  in 
patience,  relying  upon  it.  "  Wisdom  will,"  doubtless,  "  be 
justified  of  her  children  ;  "  integrity  must,  sooner  or  later, 
be  acknowledged  and  applauded.  Alas !  I  fear,  when  the 
present  generation  has  passed  away,  and  history  takes  up 
her  impartial  pen  to  give  a  narrative  of   the  events   now 


APPENDIX.  529 

referred  to,  the  only  passages  bright  and  cheering,  and 
creditable  to  our  communion,  which  she  will  leave  on 
record,  will  be  those  pertaining  to  the  part  which  the 
Bishop  and  his  coadjutors  acted  on  these  occasions. 

The  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  is  not  given  to  change, 
as  it  should  not  be;  but  neither  is  it  sworn  against  it. 
While  neither  tickle  nor  unsteady,  neither  is  it  stationary 
or  petrified.  Since  its  first  organization  it  has  changed, 
but  most  of  the  changes  have  been  progress  and  improve- 
ment. The  same  may  be  said  in  remarkable  degree  of  the 
mother  Church  of  England.  In  the  changes  which  have 
taken  place  among  ourselves  Bishop  Meade  took  an  active 
j)art  from  the  time  he  entered  our  councils,  and  always 
exercised  great  influence ;  and  when  injudicious  changes 
were  proposed,  he  was  found  just  as  efficient  in  checking 
the  wheels  of  precipitation  and  rashness.  To  him  in  full 
proportion  are  due  our  improved  selection  of  the  metrical 
Psalms,  our  excellent  collection  of  hymns,  the  expressions 
of  opinions  drawn  from  the  House  of  Bishops  by  the 
Memorial,  and  other  matters. 

In  Diocesan  legislation  and  action  his  influence  was 
greater  still.  It  is  no  wonder  we  were  all  so  ready  to 
defer  to  his  judgment.  It  was  given,  neither  in  an  im- 
perious tone,  on  one  hand,  nor  with  flattering  lips  on  the 
other.  It  was  dictated  by  a  disinterested  and  enlightened 
desire  for  the  spiritual  welfiare  of  his  charge  ;  and  it  was 
sustained  by  an  amount  of  knowledge  and  of  anxious  re- 
flection, which  none  of  us  brought  to  the  decision  of  the 
questions  before  us.  He  ruled  with  diligence.  His  Dio- 
cese was  never  out  of  his  mind.  As  a  father  thinks  for 
his  children,  so  did  he  for  us ;  with  the  same  con- 
tinuous self-forgetting,  self-sacrificing,  unbiased,  anxious, 
laborious,  and  experienced  love.  If  the  occasion  was  one 
of  sufficient  importance  to  draw  him  out,  he  almost  always 
made  us  feel  that  he  knew  more  of  the  facts,  and  had  re- 
flected more  deeply  on  the  principles,  and  had  calculated 
more  accurately  the  consequences  than  most  of  us;  and 
sometimes,  more  than  all  of  us  put  together.  Our  ex- 
perience of  this,  may  occasionally,  perhaps,  have  led  us  to 
lean  too  much  upon  his  judgment,  but  looking  back  upon 
all  the  legislation  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia 
since  he  acquired  such  influence  among  us,  we  all  must 

23 


530  APPENDIX. 

feel  that,  taken  as  a  whole,  it  has  been  both  safe  and  salu- 
tary ;  partly  because  not  excessive. 

5.  We  have  next  to  consider  Bishop  Meade  as  a  theolo- 
gian ;  the  most  important  aspect  of  all.  The  life  of  reli- 
gion is  truth.  The  chief  efficiency  of  the  ministry  con- 
sists in  its  propagation.  False  religions  rely  on  other 
things ;  Christianity  upon  this.  As  a  theologian  he  is  to 
be  admired  and  followed.  Some  of  the  furniture  of  mind 
which  belongs  to  the  present  race  of  divines,  he  did  not 
possess.  His  early  lot  was  so  cast,  and  his  subsequent  life 
was  so  full  of  parochial  and  Diocesan  labors,  that  the  at- 
tainments alluded  to  were  impossible  to  him.  But  he  had 
very  large  comj)ensation  in  the  gifts  both  of  nature  and 
of  grace,  of  an  active  and  well  balanced  mind,  and  a  pious 
heart.  He  read  extensively  to  the  end  of  life,  but  reflect- 
ed much  more.  If  not  a  man  of  deep  learning,  he  was  a 
man  of  earnest  thought.  Better  than  that ;  his  thinking 
was  not  mere  scientific  speculation,- but  a  devout  searching 
after  truth  ;  and  all  for  j)ractical  and  experimental  pur- 
poses, for  the  regulation  of  the  heart  and  life.  Accom- 
panying this,  and  naturally  growing  out  of  it,  was  a  spir- 
itual intuition  and  taste,  which  to  the  minister  is  above  all 
price.  The  result  of  the  whole  was,  that  while  he  dis- 
liked all  refinements  and  idle  questions  as  a  stumbling 
block  to  some,  a  false  boast  to  others,  and  a  snare  to  all, 
he  was  for  "  substance  of  doctrine,"  clear,  decided,  ready 
and  firm.  The  properly  descriptive  epithet  of  his  system 
of  oj)inions  was  evangelical — meaning  by  that,  nothing 
partisan  or  narrow,  but  just  the  reverse  ;  that  system, 
namely,  which  eschewing  the  revolting  and  the  chilling 
extremes  of  the  prevailing  isms  of  the  day,  at  the  same 
time  does  not  run  into  dry  orthodoxy,  legal  morality,  or 
worldly  ceremonialism.  The  doctrine  of  gratuitous  salva- 
tion through  faith,  as  a  principle  of  simple  trust  in  Jesus 
Christ  was,  as  of  the  Eeformation,  so  of  his  individual 
system,  the  very  corner-stone.  To  it  every  other  opinion 
was  assimilated,  and  by  it  was  squared.  If  we  are  actual 
sinners,  verily  and  indeed,  we  must  be  freely  forgiven,  if 
God's  favor  be  attained  at  all ;  and  the  fitness  of  a  Media- 
tor, therefore,  becomes  apparent  at  once.  But  as  the  fit- 
ness of  a  Mediator  becomes  apparent,  so  does  the  necessity 
of  exclusive  trust  in  Him,  as  being  the  only  link  to  con- 
nect us  with  the  grace  of  pardon,  and  the  hope  of  eternal 


APPENDIX.  531 

life.  But  we  are  guilty  sinners,  transgressors  of  known 
law,  and  need,  therefore,  to  be  thus  justified  freely  by 
God's  grace,  through  faith  in  the  redemption  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus.  But  this  is  not,  alas,  all.  We  have  not  only 
become  guilty  by  our  deeds,  but  also  in  our  very  nature 
corrupt,  even  bOrn  so.  Born  depraved,  we  cannot  purify 
ourselves,  escape  further  guilt,  and  restore  ourselves  to 
happiness.  The  stream  cannot  rise  above  its  fountain  ; 
and  a  Sanctifier,  therefore,  becomes  just  as  urgent  a  neces- 
sity, as  an  Atoner ;  se?/-salvation  is  as  impossible  in  the 
one  case,  as  in  the  other.  Here  we  can  do  nothing  of  our- 
selves. If  not  drawn  to  the  Father  by  the  Spirit,  we  never 
can  come  to  Him,  any  more  than  we  can  find  acceptance 
with  Him,  without  a  Propitiator  and  Advocate, — 
These  two  principles,  then,  built  as  they  are  on  the 
holiness,  justice  and  mercy  of  God,  on  the  one  hand, 
and  on  the  guilt  and  depravity  of  man  on  the  other,  were 
ever  uppermost  in  the  mind  and  foremost  on  the  lip  of  our 
late  venerated  teacher.  The  necessity  of  holiness,  and  the 
obligation  of  gospel  ordinances,  he  was  ever  careful  to 
maintain ;  but  that  lioliness  he  regarded  as  an  unfailing 
fruit  of  true  faith,  and  the  only  satisfactory  evidence  of  a 
state  of  justification  ;  and  these  ordinances^  as  most  salutary 
in  operation  and  bounden  in  duty,  yet  not  necessarily  con- 
veying grace,  nor,  except  ecclesiastically,  necessarily  taking 
efi'ect   by  virtue   of  the  mere  outward  act,  opere  operato. 

The  style  of  his  churchmanship,  as  it  is  called,  is  known 
to  us  all,  and  I  trust  approved  by  most  of  us.  No  man 
could  be  more  unwaveringly  attached  to  the  Church  of 
his  birth,  education  and  intelligent  convictions,  than  Bishop 
Meade  was  to  his.  His  early  life  and  choice  —  choosing 
rather  to  suffer  affliction  with  her,  than,  as  with  his  talents 
and  other  advantages,  he  might  well  have  done,  look  for 
wealth  and  distinction  in  some  secular  calling ;  or  rather 
than  attach  himself  to  some  orthodox  church  suffering  less 
from  unjust  popular  odium  ; — these  things,  together  with 
his  whole  subsequent  career,  put  this  point — the  point  of 
his  loving  allegiance  to  our  Church  beyond  dispute. 

While  thus  decided  in  his  Church  attachment,  he  never 
advocated  our  peculiarities  on  ultraistic  grounds.  He 
deemed  Episcopacy,  and  Confirmation,  and  a  Liturgy,  and 
such  like  things,  necessary  to  the  perfection,  but  not  to  the 
beitigf  of  the  Church.     This  being  so,  to  talk  darkly  and 


532 


APPENDIX. 


mysteriously  about  our  peculiarities,  and  to  press  them  as 
something  without  which  salvation  somehow  or  other  is 
questionable,  is  to  be  inconsistent  with  our  own  admission 
of  cardinal  facts,  and  consequently  to  tempt  men  to  con- 
clude from  the  extravagance  of  the  claim  set  up  for  our 
system,  that  it  has  no  just  claims  at  all.  He  that  proves 
too  much,  often  proves,  so  to  say,  less  than  nothing.  There 
is  a  most  damaging  recoil  in  such  extravagant  argumenta- 
tion. And  to  this  may  be  added  another  consideration. 
If  perchance  some  few  persons  having  a  natural  j^roclivity 
to  ultraism,  and  exclusiveness,  are  attracted  by  such  argu- 
ments, and  converted,  as  the  expression  is,  to  our  com- 
munion, they  are  frequently  found  no  real  acquisition. 
They  are  apt  to  prove  fierce  champions,  but  not  eminently 
Christian  members. 

These  principles  were  very  dear  to  our  late  Diocesan. 
On  his  death-bed  he  remembered  the  part  he  had  borne  in 
reference  to  them,  and  there  renewed  his  testimony  to 
their  excellence.  The  nearer  eternity  came,  the  closer 
were  they  pressed  to  his  heart.  Doubtless  the  reason  was, 
that  he  felt,  to  use  the  words  of  that  eminent  man  of  God, 
Eev.  C.  Simeon,  that  they  best  "humbled  the  sinner,  ex- 
alted the  Saviour,  and  promoted  holiness."  By  these  prin- 
ciples, sown  in  large  measure  also  by  his  predecessor,  he 
was  the  instrument,  under  God's  blessing,  of  raising  up  the 
Church  in  Virginia  from  the  dust,  and  giving  her  a  position 
of  influence  in  the  General  Church,  as  it  existed  at  the 
commencement  of  the  pending  revolution,  altogether  un- 
matched in  the  South,  and  hardly  matched  anywhere  else. 
Bishop  Meade  had  scanned  our  whole  Church  with  a  most 
thoughtful  e^^e,  comparing  its  several  parts  with  one 
another,  and  the  totality  of  these  parts  with  th  ebodies  of 
Christians,  orthodox  and  heterodox  around ;  and  these 
latter  again  in  their  relations  to  one  another.  He  saw  the 
excellences  and  defects  of  all ;  freely  confessing  the  good, 
and,  when  necessary,  not  denying  the  bad.  And  his  ma- 
tured conviction  was,  that  for  the  sound  conversion  of  sin- 
ners, and  the  healthful  nurture  of  Christians,  there  was  no 
instrumentality  like  the  faithful  preaching  of  evangelical 
doctrine,  united  with  a  temperate  advocacy  of  our  own  ec- 
clesiastical system,  and  a  conscientious  and  diligent,  but 
not  slavish  use  of  the  means  which  it  supplies  and  enjoins. 
In  this  conviction  he  began,  he  lived,  he  labored,  and  he 
died. 


APPENDIX.  533 

6.  And  now,  in  conclusion,  I  would  like  to  speak  at  large, 
if  time  permitted,  of  Bishop  Meade  as  a  Christian  man ; 
though  already  several  hints  have  been  dropped,  which 
bear  upon  the  subject.  When  public  men  are  spoken  of  in 
a  commendatory  way  in  this  country,  the  first  remark  you 
usually  hear  is,  that  they  are  popular.  The  traits  which 
secure  this  advantage  most  promptly  and  most  widely,  are 
made  most  prominent ;  namely,  those  which  please  all  classes 
of  men  alike,  and  demand  on  their  part  no  reflection,  or 
discrimination,  or  thorough  testing,  to  find  them  out.  For 
such  traits  Bishop  Meade  was  not  remarkable.  He  never 
cultivated  them ;  perhaps  had  too  low  an  opinion  of  their 
value.  He  could  not  court  favor.  To  flatter  or  be  flat- 
tered, was  his  abhorrence.  He  never  sought  —  as  men  in 
elevated  positions,  and  men  seeking  them,  are  apt  to  do — to 
win  others  over  to  their  views  by  playing  upon  their  van- 
ity, or  ambition,  or  any  other  weakness ;  and  to  attempt 
to  sway  him  in  that  way,  was  to  ensure  failure  and  excite 
disgust.  It  was  only  another  phase  of  the  same  trait,  that 
he  so  much  abhorred  all  affectation  and  cant ;  so  much  so 
indeed,  that  it  may  be,  he  did  not  always  make  due  allow- 
ance for  the  difference  of  training,  temperaments,  and  man- 
ners of  different  persons  and  classes.  Be  that  as  it  may, 
"  To  he — not  appear,^^  was  evidently  his  motto  ;  and  though 
by  carrying  it  too  far  he  may  have  forfeited  some  noisy, 
superficial  popularity,  it  in  the  end  enhanced  his  influence, 
and  is  a  fall  explanation  of  the  great  control  which  he  ex-* 
ercised  in  his  latter  years  over  the  affairs  of  the  Diocese. 
Our  men  of  discernment  knew  that  in  him  they  had  to  do 
with  substantial  character,  real  worth,  sterling  integrity, 
in  short,  with  one  who  was  '-no  sham."  Amid  the  hollow- 
ness,  pretension  and  selfishness  of  the  world,  it  is  no  won- 
der persons  of  intelligence  and  virtue  should  be  ready  to 
rely  much  on  so  true  a  man. 

Another  element  of  this  influence  thus  acquired  through 
long  years,  but  never  sought  by  questionable  means,  was 
his  great  practical  good  sense.  Naturally  sound  of  judg-: 
ment,  he  was,  as  every  mature  Christian  is,  acquainted 
with  human  nature;  and,  as  every  mature  Christian  is  not, 
with  the  world  also  ;  being  very  observant,  and  having  had 
large  opportunity  for  observation.  But  on  this  subject  I 
need  not  dwell.  All  who  know  anything ^about  his  ad- 
ministration and  character  will  admit,  that  Bishop  Meade 
was  emphatically  a  wise  man. 


534  APPENDIX. 

This  wisdom,  let  me  further  add,  was  made  largely  avail- 
able to  the  Church  by  his  great  industry.  He  was  ever 
about  his  Master's  business.  JSTo  duty  was  overlooked 
through  inattention,  or  because  of  its  irksomeness  declined. 
Called  to  a  high  office  in  the  Church,  he  felt  its  obligation, 
and  gave  himself  wholly  to  it.  In  his  fiftieth  year,  when 
about  to  make  a  visit  to  the  Canadas,  he  remarked  to  a 
friend,  "This  is  my  first  pleasure  trip,  since  I  entered  on 
public  life."  He  was  always  at  work,  though  for  many 
years  he  had  to  struggle  with  great  bodily  infirmity.  His 
activity  of  mind  he  retained  to  the  last.  When,  after  the 
seasons  of  Diocesan  visitation,  he  retired  to  his  quiet  mod- 
est home  at  Mountain  Yiew,  it  was  not  to  hybernate  in 
idleness  and  self-indulgence.  Besides  keeping  up  an  active 
correspondence,  he  generally  selected  some  topic,  and  read 
extensively  upon  it,  either  with  a  view  to  general  improve- 
ment, or  to  the  preparation  of  some  work  which  he 
thought  might  be  useful  to  others.  His  last  winter  had 
been  thus  devoted  to  prophetic  studies. 

Bishop  Meade  wrote  and  published  a  good  deal ;  but  no 
man  ever  took  up  the  pen  of  authorship,  with  less  of  the 
ambition  of  an  author.  He  valued  truth  above  all  price ; 
he  believed  he  had  grasped  it  in  its  essence ;  he  had  great 
confidence  in  its  naked,  unadorned  and  inherent  power  j 
and  therefore  he  published.  It  was  simply  to  benefit  others, 
not  enhance  his  own  reputation.  Indeed  he  was  well 
aware,  as  we  see  from  the  Preface  to  his  Lectures  on 
f*astoral  Theology,  that  to  win  applause  as  a  writer,  he 
muse  elaborate  j  a  thing  which  neither  his  taste  inclined 
him  to,  nor  his  duties  permitted.  In  order  to  do  good  in 
his  day  he  did  not  deem  this  necessary ;  and  with  simply 
doing  good  he  was  content. 

In  both  natural  and  acquired  7?rmness  of  character  our 
departed  friend  and  father  was  most  remarkal)le.  Timidity 
in  no  form  made  a  part  of  it.  Though  ever  prudent  and 
cautious  in  the  highest  degree,  it  was  never  from  the  mere 
fear  of  trouble.  Hence  in  these  times  of  war,  and  of  a  high 
appreciation  of  military  talent,  it  has  been  often  said,  by 
those  aware  of  these  traits  of  his  mind,  together  with  his 
great  powers  of  combination,  that  he  would  have  made, 
if  duly  trained,  a  general  of  high  order.  This  absence  of 
fear,  it  is  pleasing  to  observe,  did  not  lead  him  to  indulge 
in  irascibility  of  temper,  or  overbearing  conduct.      I  once 


APPENDIX.  "  535 

witnessed  on  his  part,  under  gross  and  continual  provoca- 
tion, merely  from  a  sense  of  official  propriety,  and  from  a 
determined  natural  fairness,  an  amount  of  quiet  endurance 
and  patience,  which  very  few  in  his  position  would  have 
exhibited.  Not  that  I  suppose  such  rule  over  his  own 
spirit  was  entirely  a  natural  gift,  rather  the  reverse ;  he 
he  had  learned  self-restraint ;  that  is,  to  deny  self  on 
Christian  principles.  I  do  not  say  that  his  manner  was 
not  sometimes  blunt  and  even  brusque,  but  in  twenty 
years,  frequent  intercourse  with  him,  I  can  truly  say,  I 
never  saw  in  him  anything  like  the  slightest  exhibition  of 
passion ;  he  was  always  calm  and  self-controlled. 

Bishop  Meade,  from  various  causes,  not  having  made  it 
his  special  duty  to  cultivate  the  little  amenities  of  life, 
which,  with  some,  constitute  the  substantial  things  of 
character,  may  have  been  considered  by  such  persons  oc- 
casionally destitute  of  feeling.  And  it  may  be,  I  admit,  that 
he  was  not  a  man  of  feeling,  such  as  Mackenzie  would  love 
to  portray.  In  other  words  he  was  not  a  man  of  extreme 
sensibility ;  but,  my  friends,  he  was,  what  is  a  great  deal 
better,  lying  far  nearer  the  foundations  of  character,  and 
resting  far  more  upon  the  rock  which  sustains  all  real 
moral  excellence,  he  was  a  man  oi  genuine  benevolence,  just 
Buch  practical  benevolence  as  his  divine  Master  exhibited, 
He  loved  to  do  good,  and  make  others  happy.  Little 
children  seemed  favorite  objects  of  his  kindly  feelings. 
Among  his  grandchildren,  at  least,  it  was  delightful  to  see 
how  much  pains  he  bestowed  upon  them,  and  how  much 
thought  he  took  that  he  might  contribute  to  their  enjoy- 
ment. Hospitality  in  him,  Virginian  as  he  was,  was  a 
matter  of  course,  and  hardly  to  be  mentioned  ;  but  no  one 
ever  spent  a  few  days  at  his  residence,  without  being  con- 
vinced that  the  foundation  of  it  in  his  case  was  neither 
hereditary  usage,  nor  fondness  of  company,  nor  household 
pride,  but  rather  a  simple  spirit  of  overflowing  benevolence. 
That  spirit  indeed  spread  itself  everywhere,  and  was  mani- 
fested towards  all  persons  and  causes,  that  might  be  con- 
sidered as  having  any  claims  upon  him.  He  was  a  liberal 
giver  through  life ;  as  will  be  seen  in  that  day  when  the 
books  are  opened,  in  which  are  recorded  the  doings  of  the 
right  hand,  which  the  left  hand  knoweth  not.  To  indi- 
viduals he  gave  with  a  considerateness  and  delicacy  of 
which  some  remarkable  instances  have  come  to  my  know- 


536  APPENDIX. 

ledge ;  and  on  societies,  his  money  and  influence  were  freely 
bestowed ;  provided,  in  any  fair  way,  and  for  a  reasonable 
time  they  promised  to  advance  the  welfare  of  the  com- 
munity at  large,  or  any  substantive  part  of  it.  That  he 
might  be  better  able  to  give,  was  one  great  object  of  the 
simple  and  inexpensive  style  of  living  which  ever  char- 
acterized him.  Indeed  he  seems  in  the  true  spirit  of 
Christianity  to  have  seen  no  proper  use  or  end  in  those 
riches  which  men  so  much  covet,  but  to  promote  the  cause 
of  God  and  man  in  their  essential  relation  and  connection 
upon  earth. 

About  his  last  end  I  shall  not  speak ;  though  it  was  just 
what  was  to  be  looked  for  after  the  course  he  had  run.  It 
has  already  been  handled  publicly  in  a  most  effective  way, 
and  doubtless  in  due  time,  will  be  put  in  a  more  permanent 
form,  and  given  all  the  minuteness  of  detail  to  be  expected 
in  a  book.  I  do  not  repeat  therefore  what  has  been  said, 
or  attempt  to  anticipate  what  may  be  done.  It  is  enough 
to  allude  to  the  fact  that  Bishop  Meade  declared  on  his 
death  bed,  that  the  principles  which  sustained  him,  were 
the  principles  which  he  had  preached,  and  that  his  whole 
deportment  on  the  occasion  was  that  of  a  man  of  God, 
going  to  his  reward,  in  the  avowed  character  of  a  sinner 
saved  by  grace. 

The  removal  of  such  a  man  from  the  Church  ought  not 
to  be  allowed  to  take  place  in  silence.  It  is  meet  that  as 
each  worthy  of  marked  eminence  is  added  to  the  cloud  of 
heavenly  witnesses,  we  should  take  note  of  the  fact,  and 
try  to  gather  up  the  lessons  taught  or  suggested  by  the 
event :  especially  where,  as  in  this  case,  the  Church  owes 
so  much  to  the  life  and  labors  of  the  deceased.  He  has 
left  us  a  private  example  and  a  public  history  that  ought 
to  be  very  precious  to  Yirginia,  whilst  the  principles  out 
of  which  they  grew,  and  which  it  was  the  great  labor  of 
his  life  to  propagate,  should  be  more  precious  still.  By 
them  Yirginia  arose  like  the  Phoenix  from  its  own  ashes. 
By  them  only  can  it  stand.  Supplant  them  by  others  to 
which  they  are  oj^posed,  and  we  fall  back  at  once  into 
formalism,  exclusiveness,  secularity,  and  spiritual  deadness. 
Develop  them  into  knotty  questions,  metaphysical  enig- 
mas, and  you  may  engender  a  spirit  of  controversy  and 
bitterness,  which  may  involve  life  enough  indeed,  but  not 
the  "  life  of  God  in  the  soul  of  man."     It  will  only  be  the 


APPENDIX.  537 

contest  of  Saracens  unci  Crusaders  over  again,  contending 
for  an  empty  sepulchre.     Jesus  "  is  risen  ;  He  is  not  there.' 

I  have  not  been  indulging  a  spirit  of  hero-worship  — 
one  of  the  great  weaknesses  of  our  age.  Neither  have  I 
indulged  that  indiscriminate  eulogy  which  naturally  is  con- 
nected with  it.  That  is  a  falsehood,  and  idolatry  which 
the  servant  of  God,  of  whom  I  have  been  speaking,  would 
be  the  first  to  condemn,  even  while  he  was  upon  earth; 
how  much  more  now,  as  he  stands  in  heaven,  with  the 
glory  of  the  infinite  God  shining  full  upon  him  !  This 
egoism  and  pride  which  so  abound  among  men,  were  un- 
known in  Paradise,  and  are  unknown  in  heaven,  and, 
when  observed  here  below  by  those  dwelling  above,  (if 
observed  they  can  be),  it  is  only  to  be  pitied  as  weak,  and 
condemned  as  wicked.  Let  the  potsherd  strive  with  the 
potsherd  of  the  earth,  and  vaunt  themselves  one  against 
the  other,  but  in  connection  with  religion,  and  in  the  sanc- 
tuary of  God,  and  when  in  our  thoughts  following  the  de- 
parted to  the  other  world,  let  all  such  feelings  be  banished, 
as  at  once  profane  and  childish,  from  the  heart  and  mind 
alike  of  him  who  speaks,  and  them  who  hear. 

To  God  be  all  glory  !  Glory  for  His  own  infinite  per- 
fections; His  wondrous  works;  His  gracious  dispensations  I 
Especially  be  it  to  the  praise  of  the  riches  if  His  love  in 
Christ  Jesus,  that  while  His  grace  is  exhibited  towards  all, 
it  is  from  time  to  time  magnified  in  raising  up  some,  emi- 
nently, to  fight  the  good  fight,  to  finish  their  course  con- 
sistently, to  keep  the  faith  unsullied  by  human  refinements 
and  earthly  mixtures,  and  then,  when  the  time  of  their  de- 
parture has  come,  that  that  grace  is  further  magnified,  in 
transferring  them  to  another  world,  and  adding  them  to 
that  cloud  of  witnesses  that  encircle  the  throne  of  eternal 
truth  and  purity.  Just  such  an  instance  of  God's  grace 
have  we  in  the  life,  career  and  death  of  our  departed  father 
in  God.  While  we  recognize  the  hand  of  God  in  raising 
him  up,  and  making  him  a  blessing ;  let  us,  as  the  best 
thank-off'ering  we  can  present,  accept  his  testimony  to 
gospel  truth,  and  in  our  lives  follow  him,  as  he  followed 
Christ. 


WRITINGS  OF  BISHOP  MEADE. 


From  a  Catalogue  of  the  writings  of  Bishop  Meade,  with  a  brief  account 
of  the  occasions  on  which  they  were  written,  and  a  synopsis  of  the  princi- 
pal publications,  prepared  by  the  Rev.  Cornelius  Walker,  D.  D.,  Professor 
in  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Virginia,  the  following  list  is  made.  It  is 
much  to  be  regretted  thaf  the  entire  notice  cannot  be  inserted  here.  Its 
extent  renders  this  inexpedient.  But  it  is  hoped  that  a  review,  so  judicious 
and  instructive,  will  be  reserved  as  an  appropriate  introduction  to  such  of 
the  Bishop's  writings  as  may  be  selected  for  publication. 

XilSO?. 

1.  SECOND  ANNUAL  REPORT  OF  THE  BIBLE  SOCIETY  OF  FREDE- 
RICK COUNTY,  VIRGINIA.  Printed  by  order  of  the  Society.  Winches- 
ter :    1815. 

2.  SERMON  AT  THE  OPENING  OF  THE  VIRGINIA  CONVENTION,  at 
Winchester,  May  20th,  1818. 

3.  A  SERMON  ON  THE  DEATH  OF  THE  REV.  OLIVER  NORRIS.  Preached 
in  Christ  Church,  Alexandria,  Sept.  18,  1825. 

4.  SERMON  ON  THE  DEATH  OF  THE  REV.  JOHN  DUNN,  Rector  of  Shel- 
bourue  parish,  Loudouu  County.    Published  in  the  Theological  Repertory. 

5.  SERMON  DELIVERED  IN  THE  ROTUNDA  OF  THE  UNR'ERSITY  OP 
VIRGINIA,  on  Sunday,  May  24,  1829,  on  the  occasion  of  the  death  of  nine 
young  men,  who  fell  victims  to  the  diseases  which  visited  that  place  during 
the  summer  of  1828,  and  the  following  winter. 

6.  A  SERMON  AT  THE  OPENING  OF  THE  CONVENTION  OF  THE  PRO- 
TESTANT EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  in  Petersburg,  May  15,  1828. 

7.  A  SERMON  ON  CONFIRMATION.    Preached  in  Winchester,  Dec.  12,  1834. 

8.  PASTORAL  LETTER  on  the  duty  of  affording  religious  instruction  to  those 
in  bondage.    Alexandria:     1839. 

9.  SERMONS,  DIALOGUES,  AND  NARRATIVES  FOR  SERVANTS.  To  be 
read  to  them  in  families,  abridged,  altered,  and  adapted  to  their  condition 
chiefly.    Richmond :    1834. 

10.  SERMON  (CONNECTED  WITH  THE  TEMPERANCE  CAUSE).  Preached 
before  the  Convention  in  Staunton,  May,  1834.  Published  by  request  of  the 
same.    Richmond :    1835. 

11.  SERMON  PREACHED  AT  THE  OPENING  OF  THE  GENERAL  CON- 
VENTION of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Philadelphia,  Sept.  5, 1838. 

12.  SERMON  TO  THE  STUDENTS  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 
near  Alexandria.    Published  by  their  request.    Washington  :    1839. 

13.  "  THE  WISDOM,  MODERATION  AND  CHARITY  OF  THE  ENGLISH 
REFORMERS.  AND  FATHERS  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES."  A  sermon  preached  before  the 
Students  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  February 
5,  1840.     Washington. 

14.  SERMON  BEFORE  THE  STUDENTS  OF  THE  HIGH  SCHOOL,  in  the 
Prayer  Hall  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  Feb.  16, 1840. 

15.  DITTO.    Oct.  3,  1840. 

16.  SERMON  DELIVERED  AT  THE  CONSECRATION  OF  THE  RIGHT  REV. 
STEPHEN  ELLIOT.  D.  D.,  for  the  Diocese  of  Georgia,  in  Christ  Church,  Sa- 
vannah. With  an  appendix  on  the  rule  of  Faith;  in  which  the  opinions  of 
the  Oxford  Divines,  and  others  agreeing  with  them,  are  considered,  and  some 
of  the  consequences  thereof  set  forth.    Washington:    1841. 

17.  LIFE  OF  THE  REV.  DEVEREUX  JARRATT.  By  himself.  Abridged  by 
Bishop  Meade.    With  a  sermon  of  Mr.  Jarratt's  on  Justification. 


540  WRITINGS    OF   BISHOP    MEADE. 

18.  FAMILY    PRAYERS.     Collected  from  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  the  Book  of 

Common  Prayer,  and  the  works  of  Bishop  Wilson.    1834. 

19.  RELIGIOUS  EDUCATION  OF  CHILDREN. 

20.  THE  LAW  OF  PROPORTION  IN  THE  CHURCH  OF  GOD,  considered  in  a 
Pastoral  Address.    1843. 

21.  THE  DOCTRINES  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL   CHURCH   NOT   ROMISH      An 

Address  to  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  Lynchburg, 
May  16,  1844. 

22.  A  TRACT  ON  THE  MINISTRY.  For  the  Episcopal  Tract  Society  of  Vir 
giuia.  An  answer  to  the  question,  "  What  does  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  believe  and  set  forth  couceruiug  the  ministry  ?"  Extracted  from  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  the  writings  of  the  Rev.  William  Goode,  and  the 
Rev.  George  Stanley  Faber. 

23.  A  TRACT  FOR  THE  TIMES. 

24.  A  BRIEF  REVIEW  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  VIRGINIA,  from 
its  establishment  to  the  present  time  ;  being  part  of  an  address  to  the  Con- 
vention in  Fredericksburg,  May  22,  1845. 

25.  TRACT  ON  INDUSTRY.  Being  one  of  the  Homilies,  with  a  sermon  on  the 
same  subject,  (preached  and  published  in  1838).    Alexandria :    1845. 

26.  TWO  LETTERS  TO  THE  BOARD  OF  MANAGE  KS  AND  EXECUTIVE 
COMMITTEE  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  SUNDAY  SCHOOL 
UNION.     1847. 

27.  PASTORAL  LETTER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  BISHOPS.    1847. 

28.  ADDRESS  TO  THE  EPISCOPALIANS  OF  WESTERN  VIRGINIA,  on  the 
proposition  to  divide  the  Diocese,  &c.    1851. 

29.  WILBERFORCE,  CRANMER,  JEWETT  AND  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  ON 
THE  INCAKNATION.     1850. 

30.  LETTERS  TO  A  MOTHER,  on  the  birth  of  a  child,  &c.    1849. 

31.  EXPLANATION  OF  THE  CHURCH  CATECHISM.  Chiefly  from  the  Cate- 
chism by  the  Rev.  James  Stittingfleet,  Jr.,  with  an  Appendix.    1849. 

32.  REVIEW  OF  A  WORK  ENTITLED  ''  THE  DOCTRINE  OF  THE  CHURCH 
OF  ENGLAND  AS  TO  THE  EFFECTS  OF  BAPTISM  IN  THE  CASE  OF 
INFANTS."    With  an  Appendix.    1849. 

33.  ECCLESIASTICAL  LAW  AND  DISCIPLINE.  A  charge  to  the  Clergy  of 
Virginia.     1850. 

34.  REMARKS  ON  A  PAMPHLET  CONCERNING  A  CANON  ON  LAY  DIS- 
CIPLINE.   Passed  at  the  Convention  recently  held  in  Alexandria.    1850. 

35.  COMPANION  OF  THE  FONT  AND  PULPIT.    1846. 

36.  PASTORAL  LETTER  to  the  Congregations  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  Virginia.    1847. 

37.  STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  TO  SOME  PARTS  OF  "BISHOP  ONDER- 
DONK'S  STATEMENT  OF  FACTS  CONNECTED  WITH  HIS  TRIAL." 
1845. 

38.  REASONS  FOR  LOVING  THE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH.    1852. 

39.  A  COUNTER-STATEMENT  OF  THE  CASE  OF  BISHOP  H.  U.  ONDER- 
DONK,  in  reply  to  one  signed  "  A  Member  of  the  Church."     1854. 

40.  PASTORAL  LETTER  ON  SCHOOLS  AND  TEACHING.     1858. 

41.  PASTORAL  TO  LAITY  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  VIRGINIA. 
(Without  date.) 

42.  SERMON  ON  THE  OPENING  OF  THE  CONVENTION  OF  THE  PRO- 
TESTANT EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  VIRGINIA,  in  the  fifty-first  year  of 
his  ministry  and  the  thirty-second  of  his  Episcopate.  Published  by  order  of 
the  Convention.    1861. 

43.  '^LECTURE,  ON  THE  PASTORAL  OFFICE,  delivered  to  the  Students," 
&c.    1849. 

44.  "OLD  CHURCHES,  MINISTERS  AND  FAMILIES  OF  VIRGINIA."    1857. 

45.  "  THE  BIBLE  AND  THE  CLASSICS."    1861. 

46.  "  ADDRESS  ON  THE  DAY  OF  FASTING,  HUMILIATION  AND  PRAYER. 
June  13. 1861. 


\ 


.' 

Date  Due 

4.»5 

1/ 

^*-»«**«*^ 

' 

,^1,.  ^.T^si!?*^'^^'^*'^'®^ 

*!■ 

.ffji^f^fttnts/i^^^'^ 

i:* 

J^^00^>^^ 

K 

I 

m 

<i) 

o^  ^n  ■  ^' 


n 


